Financial Scams

Recognise financial scams before they cost you money, from Ponzi schemes to investment fraud. Learn how to verify financial advisers and spot promises that sound too good to be true.

Baby Boomer and Pensioner Scams

Scammers target retirees and older investors at seminars to push unsuitable products like high-penalty annuities.

Bank Charge Scam

Banks charge you £20+ for overdrafts that cost them £4.50 to process, and you might be able to claim that money back.

Bank Identification or BIN numbers Scam

Scammers use publicly available bank identification numbers to impersonate your bank and trick you into revealing your full card details.

Card Skimming Fraud

Skimming criminals use fake card readers and hidden cameras at ATMs to steal your card details and PIN, then drain your account.

Cheque Scams

Cheques can be forged, stolen or drawn on empty accounts, here's how cheque fraud works and why it costs victims millions.

Credit Repair Scam

Don't fall for credit repair scams that promise quick fixes your money can't legally buy.

Fake Tax Experts

Not all tax advice is trustworthy, here's how to spot real experts from fakes who just sound knowledgeable.

High Risk Investment Scams

Scammers use fake high-return investment schemes to steal your money, often targeting people seeking quick profits with minimal risk.

HM Revenue and Custom Scam

Scammers impersonate HMRC to steal your personal details with fake tax refund emails.

HMRC Data Loss Scandal

In 2007, HMRC lost discs holding personal details of 25 million people, exposing major gaps in how the UK government handles sensitive data.

HMRC Self Assessment: Phishing Scam

Criminals are impersonating HMRC with fake emails to steal your banking details under the guise of a tax refund.

Losing it all at the ATM

How scammers use simple tricks and distractions to steal your cash and card right at the ATM.

Matrix Scam

Matrix scams promise free iPods and TVs if you recruit enough people, but the math makes it nearly impossible to actually get anything.

Office of Government Commerce Scam

Scammers pose as the Office of Government Commerce to trick businesses into revealing bank details and financial information.

Offshore Investment Scam

Scammers lure investors with promises of high offshore returns and tax breaks, then pocket the money while sending fake statements.

Prime Bank Guarantee Scam

How the prime bank guarantee scam works and why it's cost investors millions by promising unrealistic returns.

Property Scam

Property investment scams exploit get-rich-quick dreams by selling fake courses and worthless land deals that leave investors broke.

Psychic Scam

Fake psychics prey on people's fears about the future with threatening letters and false promises that vanish once they get your money.

Pyramid Schemes

Pyramid schemes are common internet scams that promise quick money through recruitment, but differ from legal MLM because they lack real products or customers.

Quiz Show Fraud

Quiz shows have been plagued by fraud since they first aired, from producers coaching contestants to cheaters gaming the system for millions.

Scams And Seniors

Older adults are prime targets for scams, here's how to spot common tricks and protect yourself from being ripped off.

Stock Tip Scams: Pump and Dump

How pump and dump scams trick investors into buying hyped stocks before fraudsters sell and disappear.

The Boiler Room Scam: Bogus Stocks and Shares

How boiler room scams trick people into buying worthless shares and how to spot the warning signs before losing money.

The Church Con

How scammers exploit trust within churches and religious communities to steal from fellow worshippers.

The 'Protected Trademarks' Scam

Scammers are sending fake invoices to UK trademark applicants demanding payment for fake protection services.