Keeping what you have.
WHY IT MATTERS
Fraud is the fastest way people lose savings, and it is increasingly sophisticated.
WHAT THE COMMON METHODS ARE
Impersonation of banks or officials Requests to confirm details or codes Claims that an account is compromised Offers requiring advance payment Investment offers with guaranteed returns Romance and long-relationship deception Fake goods and non-existent services
WHAT THEY SHARE
Urgency Authority An unusual payment method Pressure not to consult anyone
WHY URGENCY IS THE COMMON THREAD
It prevents verification.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ANY UNEXPECTED CONTACT
Do not act on it.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Contact the organisation independently, using a number you already hold.
WHY INDEPENDENTLY
The contact details provided are part of the deception.
WHAT TO NEVER PROVIDE
Codes sent to you Passwords Card details in response to contact Remote access to your device
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Returns that are guaranteed or unusually high Schemes paying existing participants from new ones Opportunities requiring you to recruit others Pressure to decide immediately Requests for confidentiality
WHY CONFIDENTIALITY REQUESTS
They exist to prevent you consulting someone who would recognise it.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT PAYMENT
Verify the recipient independently Tell someone you trust what you are doing
WHY TELL SOMEONE
It is the single most effective protection, and fraud depends on isolation.
WHAT TO ASSUME
That any investment promising certainty is not what it claims.
WHAT TO DO IF DECEIVED
Report it immediately to your bank and the authorities.
WHAT TO AVOID
Shame preventing you from reporting.
WHY
Delay reduces any chance of recovery.
