Here are some of the latest scams in the UK and tips on how to prevent them:
Phishing
Phishing is a type of scam where criminals try to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your bank account number or credit card details. They may do this by sending you an email or text message that looks like it's from a legitimate company, such as your bank or credit card company. The email or text message will often ask you to click on a link or open an attachment. If you do this, it will take you to a fake website that looks like the real website of the company. Once you're on the fake website, you'll be asked to enter your personal information.
How to prevent phishing scams:
- Be suspicious of any email or text message that asks you for your personal information.
- Do not click on any links or open any attachments in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
- If you're not sure whether an email or text message is legitimate, contact the company directly using the contact information on their website.
Smishing
Smishing is a type of phishing scam that uses SMS text messages instead of emails. Smishing scams are often very convincing, as they may use the real name of the company they are pretending to be from.
How to prevent smishing scams:
- Be suspicious of any SMS text message that asks you for your personal information.
- Do not click on any links in SMS text messages from unknown senders.
- If you're not sure whether an SMS text message is legitimate, contact the company directly using the contact information on their website.
Vishing
Vishing is a type of phishing scam that uses voice calls instead of emails or text messages. Vishing scams are often very convincing, as the scammer may know your name and other personal information about you.
How to prevent vishing scams:
- Be suspicious of any voice call that asks you for your personal information.
- Do not give out your personal information to anyone who calls you out of the blue.
- If you're not sure whether a voice call is legitimate, hang up and call the company directly using the contact information on their website.
Investment scams
Investment scams are a type of scam where criminals try to trick you into investing in a fake investment opportunity. Investment scams can be very sophisticated and can involve a lot of money.
How to prevent investment scams:
- Be suspicious of any investment opportunity that promises high returns with low risk.
- Do not invest any money in an investment opportunity that you don't fully understand.
- Do your research on any investment opportunity before you invest any money.
Romance scams
Romance scams are a type of scam where criminals try to trick you into sending them money or giving them personal information by pretending to be someone they're not, such as a potential romantic partner.
How to prevent romance scams:
- Be suspicious of anyone who you meet online and who quickly asks you for money or personal information.
- Do not send money or give out personal information to anyone you meet online.
- Do your research on anyone you meet online before you start a relationship with them.
Tips to avoid scams
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited contact.
- Do not give out your personal information to anyone you don't trust.
- Do your research on any company or person before you do business with them.
- If you're not sure whether something is a scam, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.