Protect yourself from financial scams
Have you been targeted by a scammer? If not, you’re in the minority. Our research shows that more than one in two people have been on the end of an attempted scam, or they know someone who has.
But, it’s possible to protect yourself.
1 Contacted out of the blue?
An unsolicited call can be a sign of being contacted by a company you don’t want to deal with.
However, companies do sometimes call their customers out of the blue for a legitimate reason.
If you are called by a company, make sure you do all you can to verify the identity of the caller.
Ask them to give you details that only that company will know, for instance your service contract details, payment details or bank account details.
If you’re not 100% convinced of the identity of the caller, hang up and contact the company from a different phone.
There are some instances though where it’s best if you are the person to instigate the first contact.
For instance, if you’re looking to make an investment or if you’re looking for a new bank account or credit card, you should always be the first one to make contact.
2 Is the deal too good to be true?
Scams will often promise high returns for very little financial commitment. They may even say that a deal is too good to miss.
Use your common sense, if a deal is too good to be true, it inevitably is.
3 Asked to share personal details?
Never share your personal details with anyone you cannot validate is who they say they are.
Phishing emails or phone scammers will often try and get valuable personal data from you, and they can use this to steal your identity or steal your money.
4 Pressurised to respond quickly?
Never proceed unless you are absolutely certain your money will be safe. Once you transfer, it may be too late.
Scammers will often try to hurry your decision making, always take a breath and think things through.
Salesmen in particular should always give you time and space to make an informed decision, anyone who tries to rush you is not to be trusted.
5 Are the contact details vague?
Vague contact details can be a PO box, premium rate number (starting ‘09’) or mobile number.
If anything goes wrong it’s important you can contact those involved. This will be difficult if you don’t have accurate contact information.
Premium rate numbers are also a favoured trick for squeezing every penny they can out of you.
6 Grammatical or spelling mistakes?
Legitimate organisations will rarely, if ever, make glaring grammatical or spelling mistakes, and if so they will usually be an isolated incident.
Scammers often use bad grammar and spelling to ensure only the most vulnerable people will respond to their messages.
7 Are you asked to keep it quiet?
Being asked to keep something quiet should be a red flag. It’s important you can discuss any agreements with your friends, family or independent advisors.
Often asking you to stay silent is used to keep you away from the advice and support you need in making a decision.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam please get in touch to discuss what we can do for you.
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