DON'T BE ANGRY,
BE SCAM AWARE!
If you’re unsure, don’t click, don’t pay, and double-check first.
Unfortunately, online scams are becoming more common. We want to help protect our customers by sharing information on how to spot scams and stay safe.
![vecteezy_woman-giving-money-to-male-scammer-in-mask-female-pass-cash_13466442[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/15ed10_10e6acb3b158469eaf35ade289e02c0c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_487,h_292,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/vecteezy_woman-giving-money-to-male-scammer-in-mask-female-pass-cash_13466442%5B1%5D.jpg)
What Are Scams?
Scams are dishonest schemes designed to trick people into giving away money, personal information, or access to accounts. Scammers often pretend to be legitimate businesses, trusted organisations, or individuals in order to gain confidence and create a sense of urgency.
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Every year, millions of people worldwide fall victim to scams. In the UK alone, hundreds of thousands of cases are reported annually, with losses amounting to billions of pounds. Many more incidents go unreported, meaning the true scale of the problem is even larger.
Common Types of Scams
Scammers use many different methods to deceive people. Below are some of the most common and widespread scams currently in use.
Phishing Emails and Messages
Phishing scams involve fake emails, texts, or messages that appear to come from legitimate companies or organisations. They often ask you to click a link, download an attachment, or provide sensitive information such as passwords or payment details.
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Typical signs:
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Urgent warnings about accounts or payments
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Suspicious links or attachments
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Slightly altered email addresses or domains
Common Types of Scams
Scammers use many different methods to deceive people. Below are some of the most common and widespread scams currently in use.
They rush you
Scammers often try to panic you so you don’t have time to think.
Examples:
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“Act now or your account will be locked!”
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“Last chance to pay today!”
They ask for private information
Real companies will never ask for things like:
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Your password or PIN
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Full card or bank details
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Security codes sent to your phone
They ask for strange payments
Be careful if someone asks you to pay with:
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Gift cards
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Cryptocurrency
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Transfers to unknown accounts
The message looks almost real
Scam messages often look convincing but have small clues, such as:
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Slightly wrong email addresses or website links
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Small spelling or grammar mistakes
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Logos or branding that look a bit off
You weren’t expecting it
Be cautious if you receive:
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Unexpected emails or messages
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Attachments or links you didn’t ask for
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Invoices for things you didn’t buy
It sounds too good to be true
Huge discounts, prizes, or guaranteed profits are often fake.
They tell you not to tell anyone
If someone says “keep this secret,” that’s a big warning sign.
How to Stay Safe
Staying safe online doesn’t require technical knowledge — just a bit of awareness and caution.
Always take a moment to pause if a message feels unexpected or urgent. Scammers often try to rush people into making quick decisions, so slowing down and double-checking details can make a big difference.
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Pay close attention to email addresses, links, and website URLs. Many scam messages look convincing at first glance but contain small mistakes or subtle changes that reveal they aren’t genuine.
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Protect your personal information at all times. Legitimate companies will never ask for your password, PIN, or full banking details through email, text messages, or social media.
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When making payments, stick to secure and trusted methods. Be wary of anyone asking for unusual forms of payment such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or transfers to unfamiliar accounts.
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Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it usually is. It’s always okay to question a message or verify it using official contact details.
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Finally, if you’re unsure about something, speak to someone you trust or contact the organisation directly before taking any action.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you think something might be a scam, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and help is available.
If you’ve sent money or shared bank details, contact your bank as soon as possible. They can guide you and help protect your account.
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If you clicked a suspicious link or opened a file, change your passwords and run a security check on your device.
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Keep any emails, messages, or screenshots related to the situation. These can be useful if you need to report what happened.
If you’re in the UK, you can report scams to Action Fraud. Reporting helps stop scammers and protect others.
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If someone is pretending to be our business, please let us know. We’ll look into it and do our best to help.
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Most importantly, remember: scams can happen to anyone. Taking action quickly is the best step forward.
Where to Get Help if You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed, there are organisations that can offer support and advice.
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Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting service. You can report scams and get guidance on what to do next.
Website: actionfraud.police.uk
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Your Bank or Card Provider
If money or card details have been involved, contact your bank immediately. They can help secure your account and advise you on next steps.
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Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers free, independent advice on scams and consumer issues.
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
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Police (Emergency Situations)
If you feel threatened or in immediate danger, contact the police by calling 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.
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National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
For suspicious emails and online threats, you can report them to the NCSC.
Website: ncsc.gov.uk