Top Tips to Avoid Scams and Frauds

Beware Caller ID

A number flashes up on your phone identifying the call as coming from your bank.

Calling Line Identity can be used to screen the calls you want to answer from the ones you do not. Fraudsters can deliberately change the Caller ID, known as spoofing, to hide their identity or mimic the number of a real company or caller. If someone asks for money or personal information, hang up and call back later if you think the number is genuine.

Robocalls

You answer a phone call and hear a recorded sales pitch.

Some illegal calls offer bogus products and try to push you into connecting with a sales representative who wants personal information. Do not press numbers that connect you to the caller.

Unsolicited Phone Calls

You get repeated calls from unauthorised call centre representatives or boiler room brokers telling you how many people are already invested in the scheme.

Check the credibility of the firm through your local consumer protection agency and get advice from a government body such as the Financial Conduct Authority or an independent financial adviser you trust before responding.

Beware of a Broker

Someone claims to have a special connection or inside information not available to the public that can make you huge money through investments.

Making money from inside information is illegal. There is no secret route into a legitimate scheme. Avoid these offers because they are commonly scams or frauds.

Spot Imposters

You are contacted by someone pretending to be a company executive, government official, charity, or another person you trust.

Stay safe when you receive a cold call, unexpected email, or social media message. Ignore lines like "we talked last year" or "you showed interest before" when you do not recognise them.

Unsolicited Pitch

You receive an unsolicited pitch from a friendly sales representative asking you to invest.

Before responding to anyone, check the story being sold to you. Search the company or product name together with words like review, complaint, or scam. Be especially careful with pump-and-dump style offers and offshore investment deals.

Guard Your Personal Information

An unauthorised agency promises guaranteed profits and may even show you small early returns or gifts to earn your trust.

They may ask about your finances and previous investments while telling you to keep things secret. Protect your personal information because these questions can be used to gain access to private financial details.

Be Careful About What You Share

A sales representative tries to build friendship and a false sense of trust, often targeting your family or social circle.

Do not provide bank account numbers, card details, or other sensitive information to unknown representatives, and do not share those details about friends or relatives either.

Ponzi or Pyramid Schemes

You are invited to invest in unregulated sectors or a scheme where you need to invest first in order to start making money.

All investments carry risk, but scams promise phantom riches and guaranteed returns. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes because they are very often frauds.

Pressure Tactics

A company contacts you repeatedly and pressures you to make a fast decision, often saying you are losing out if you do not act now.

Do not fall for limited-time offers, bonuses, or intimidating language. Always check investment proposals with the Financial Conduct Authority or a trusted independent adviser before responding.

The Halo Effect

A sales team member appears highly trustworthy and claims the deal is so good that everyone is buying it.

Scammers often use gifts, free services, lunches, discounts, and favours to build trust. Never make investment decisions in haste or because you feel obliged.

Take Control of Your Digital Life

You receive an email claiming to be from a bank, card provider, or government office asking you to click a link or open an attachment.

Delete the message immediately, even if it looks official. It may be a scam such as pharming or phishing designed to steal your information.

Stay Safe Online

A salesperson makes everything look legitimate using convincing websites, polished messages, and apparently official records.

Do not respond or click any links, even when the message appears to come from a real organisation. Never give personal information in response to an unexpected phone call, text, or email.

Message Board Postings

You receive investment emails, message board posts, or online news promoting a company that claims guaranteed profits with little or no risk.

Research the business before investing. High-return promises with no risk are strong warning signs. Claims such as "money-back guarantee" or "cannot miss" often point to fraud.