Scams to watch out for

Phishing involves fraudulent emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, often asking for personal information like passwords or credit card details. Always verify the sender before clicking any links.

Scammers steal your personal information to open accounts, take out loans, or commit other fraudulent activities in your name. Safeguard your personal data, shred sensitive documents, and monitor your financial statements regularly.

These scams involve fake websites or online ads offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Once you make a purchase, the product either doesn’t arrive or is of poor quality. Always buy from reputable sellers and read reviews.

Fraudsters promise high returns with little risk through fake investment opportunities. They often pressure you to act quickly. Research any investment thoroughly and consult with a financial advisor before committing.

Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to build romantic relationships with victims, eventually asking for money. Be cautious about sharing personal details with someone you haven’t met in person.

You receive a notification that you’ve won a large sum of money in a lottery or contest you didn’t enter, but first, you must pay a fee or provide personal details. Legitimate lotteries don’t ask for fees to claim prizes.

Scammers pose as tradespeople, charity workers, or salespeople to gain entry to your home or pressure you into buying unnecessary services or goods. Always check ID and don’t feel pressured to make quick decisions.

This involves fraudsters posing as bank officials or police, asking you to hand over your bank card to a courier. Banks and police will never ask for your card or PIN. Contact your bank immediately if approached.

You receive a call or pop-up claiming your computer has a virus, and you need to pay for a fix. Real tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue. Never give remote access to your computer unless you’re sure of the source.

Scammers pose as representatives of fake charities, often following a natural disaster or crisis, asking for donations. Always verify the charity through official channels before donating.

Scammers will list a hotel room or accommodation that isn’t available or doesn’t exist. Often victims only realise it’s a scam when they arrive at their destination, by which time the fraudster is long gone.

Getting tickets to see your favourite band, football team, play or festival can be difficult as they sell out quickly. Scammers take advantage of this by tempting you to buy tickets that turn out to be fake or their websites offer tickets they can’t provide but are happy to take money for.

If you receive a message like this, chances are you’d rush to help your family member or friend. But this is what the scammers rely on.