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Financial fraud takes many forms, from sophisticated investment scams to everyday phishing attacks. Understanding the different types of fraud is the first step in protecting yourself and your assets. Below we outline the major categories of fraud and the specific scams associated with each, along with advice on how to stay safe.
Common Types of Fraud
Investment Fraud
- Property Loan Notes
- Binary Options
- Carbon Credits
- Rare Earth Metals
- Wine & Art Investments
- UK Land Plots
- Cryptocurrency
- Gold & Diamond Mines
Identity & Personal Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Account Takeover
- Application Fraud
- Romance / Dating Scams
- Advance Fee Fraud
- Impersonation Scams
- Phishing & Smishing
- Recovery Room Fraud
Online & Cyber Fraud
- Phishing Emails
- Fake Websites / Clone Firms
- Ransomware & Malware
- Social Media Scams
- Online Shopping Fraud
- Domain Name Fraud
- Tech Support Scams
- Data Breach Exploitation
Corporate & Business Fraud
- Invoice & Payment Fraud
- CEO / CFO Impersonation
- Procurement Fraud
- Payroll Fraud
- False Accounting
- Insider Fraud
- Bid Rigging
- Corporate Identity Fraud
Pension & Retirement Fraud
- Pension Liberation Scams
- Free Pension Reviews
- Pension Cold Calling
- Ponzi Schemes
- Boiler Room Scams
- SIPP Fraud
- Pension Switch Fraud
- Unauthorised Brokerages
Banking & Payment Fraud
- Authorised Push Payment (APP)
- Bank Card & Cheque Fraud
- Bank Account Fraud
- Cash Machine (ATM) Fraud
- Money Muling
- Fake Bank Text Messages
- Loan Fee Fraud
- Smishing
Scam Investments to Watch Out For
The most common scam investments include:
- Property Loan Notes
- Binary Options
- Carbon Credits
- Rare Earth Metals
- Wine and Art Investments
- UK Land Plots
- Free Pension Reviews
- Gold Diamond Mines
- Cryptocurrency Investment
- Co-Sharing Workspace
Other common financial scams:
- Fake emails representing large ethical companies
- Online dating (romance) scams
- Banking and online account scams
- Recovery rooms promising to recover your failed investment
- Travel Scams
- Pre-IPO Scams
- Bank loan and credit card scam
- Pension liberation and cold calling scams
Stay Alert
Top Tips to Avoid Scams and Frauds
Simple habits prevent expensive mistakes. Use these checks before you trust a caller, message, broker, or investment pitch.
A-Z of Fraud
Browse our comprehensive A-Z directory of fraud terms, scam types, and definitions — all explained clearly to help you stay informed and protected.