You spot this brilliant all-inclusive deal online that’s significantly cheaper than others you’ve seen. Would you buy it?
This could be a scam! Criminals use fake adverts, payment pages and websites to scam consumers. While many online platforms offer secure payment options, criminals will try to persuade you to pay by bank transfer instead and rush you into making the payment. Read online reviews to check websites are legitimate and always use secure payment channels when booking. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
You’ve won an item in an online auction that you’ve bid on. Do you log in to your existing online auction account and make a payment?
This is genuine. Always make sure that you log in to your account and make payments through the website’s secure payment channel.
You receive this text message from your bank asking for prompt payment. Would you deposit some money into your account?
This is genuine. This text doesn't ask for any account details or ask you to make payment to someone else. Always use the official banking app or website to make any payments or transfers. If you’re ever unsure, contact your bank using a known number to check.
You’re buying concert tickets on social media and are asked to make payment by bank transfer. Do you proceed with the payment?
This could be a scam! Always buy goods such as tickets from an authorised seller, not via individuals on social media as the tickets can be fake or not exist.
You’re in the process of buying a house and receive an email from your solicitor with new bank details. Would you transfer your deposit?
This could be a scam! Criminals can intercept emails and pretend to be your solicitor. Always call your solicitor using a known number before transferring any money to check requests are genuine.
Someone calls you and states they are a police officer. They’re investigating a staff member at your bank. They need you to transfer some money to another account so they can monitor what happens. Do you transfer the money?
This could be a scam! Criminals want your money and will impersonate police officers to get it. The police will never ask you to withdraw or transfer money for safe-keeping or for the purposes of an investigation.
You get an email from your credit card company letting you know your next statement is ready to view online. Do you log in to your account in order to view your statement?
This is genuine. Your credit card company may email you when your statements are ready. Always log in to your account through a secure app or webpage.
Someone calls saying they’re from your internet service provider, do you install the software?
This could be a scam! Never give computer access to or install software from an out of the blue caller. Criminals want your information and are experts at using impersonation to get it. Always call back on a number you know and trust.
This could be a scam! Never give computer access to or install software from an out- of- the- blue caller. Criminals want your information and are experts at using impersonation to get it. Always call back on a number you know and trust.
You have sold a car through an online marketplace. You receive this confirmation email that a payment has been made to your account. Would you allow the car to be collected?
This could be a scam! Criminals can send fraudulent confirmation emails to convince you payment has been made for an item when it hasn’t. Always log in to your secure banking app or online banking to check the money has arrived before parting with the item or transferring a refund.
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