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Scam types. What they look like

Use this page to quickly recognise common scam patterns.
If money is at risk, go straight to: Money at risk. What to do right now

Use this topic if you or someone you support:
  • Received a suspicious text, email, WhatsApp message, social media message, or phone call
  • Is not sure what type of scam it is yet
  • Wants quick red flags and the safest next step

If you want a guided route, start with: 2 minute check

A helpful rule

  • Slow down and use a trusted route.
    Do not use links or phone numbers from the message. Use the official app, official website, or a number you already trust.

Quick red flags

If you see one or more of these, treat it as suspicious.

  • Urgency, fear, secrecy, or threats
  • Asking for a one time code, PIN, password, or bank login
  • Pressure to click a link right now
  • Messages about “refund”, “missed delivery”, “account locked”, “unusual activity”, or “verify your details”
  • Payment request by gift card, crypto, or bank transfer to a new payee
  • You are told to install an app so someone can “help” you

Pick a type that looks closest

Open one box only. If more than one matches, start with the one that involves money, codes, or account access.

Text message scams. Smishing

What it looks like - A text about a delivery, a refund, a missed payment, a fine, or a locked account - A link to “track”, “confirm”, “unlock”, or “avoid a penalty”

🚩 Red flags - Link looks odd, shortened, or does not match the real organisation - You are asked to pay a small fee, or enter card details “to verify” - Pressure to act quickly

Safest next step - Do not click the link. - If you are worried it might be real, open the official app or type the website address yourself.

If you entered card details or bank details, go to:
Money at risk. What to do right now

Email scams. Phishing

What it looks like - An email that looks like a bank, service, or delivery company - A button such as “Log in”, “Verify”, “Update”, or “Pay now”

🚩 Red flags - Slightly wrong sender address - Spelling mistakes, odd tone, or generic greeting - Link text does not match where it really goes

Safest next step - Do not click buttons or open attachments. - Go to the official website or app directly and check there.

If you entered a password and now cannot log in, go to:
Your account was hacked

Phone call scams. Vishing

What it looks like - A call claiming to be your bank, a delivery company, or a service provider - You are told there is fraud on your account and you must act now

🚩 Red flags - You are asked for a one time code, PIN, or to move money “to keep it safe” - You are told not to tell anyone, or not to hang up - Caller tries to keep you on the line while you do steps

Safest next step - Hang up. - Do not stay on the line while you check anything. - Call the organisation back using a trusted number (card back, official app, or official website).

If you shared a code or approved a payment, go to:
Money at risk. What to do right now

Bank impersonation and one time code scams

What it looks like - You receive a text or call that appears to be your bank - You are told a payment is pending, or your account is locked

🚩 Red flags - Any request for a one time code, PIN, or password - You are pushed to transfer money or add a new payee quickly

Safest next step - Stop contact and call your bank using a trusted number.

Go to: Money at risk. What to do right now

Tech support scams and remote access

What it looks like - A pop up saying your device is infected or locked - A call claiming to be “support” who can fix the problem - You are told to install an app so they can take control

🚩 Red flags - Demands for payment to unlock the device - Requests to install remote access software - Pressure to keep the call going while they “work”

Safest next step - Do not install anything. - End the call. Close the browser tab if you can. - Do not log in to banking while someone is watching your screen. - If you installed something, go to: Malware, remote access, ransomware

If banking was open during remote access, also go to:
Money at risk. What to do right now

Online shopping fraud and fake sellers

What it looks like - A website or ad with deals that look too good to be true - A seller asks you to pay by bank transfer, crypto, or outside the platform

🚩 Red flags - No clear contact details, returns policy, or physical address - New site with copied branding, or poor spelling - Pressure to pay quickly or “secure the last item”

Safest next step - Do not pay by bank transfer to a new payee unless you are fully sure. - Use trusted retailers and known payment methods.

If you paid and now think it is fraud, go to:
Money at risk. What to do right now

Social media scams and fake profiles

What it looks like - A fake giveaway, investment post, or “urgent help” message - A profile pretending to be a friend, family member, or public figure

🚩 Red flags - You are asked to move the conversation off platform - Requests for money, gift cards, or codes - New account with few posts, odd spelling, or strange messaging

Safest next step - Do not send money or codes. - Verify using a trusted channel. Call the person directly if it claims to be them.

If your own account was taken over, go to:
Your account was hacked

Romance scams

What it looks like - A relationship that becomes a request for money, secrecy, or urgent help - The person avoids video calls or cannot meet, but escalates intimacy

🚩 Red flags - Requests for money, gifts, travel costs, medical bills, or emergencies - Pressure to keep the relationship secret - Stories that change, or repeated crises

Safest next step - Pause and talk to someone you trust. - Do not send money, gift cards, or bank transfers.

If you already sent money, go to:
Money at risk. What to do right now

Investment and “too good to be true” offers

What it looks like - Guaranteed returns, quick profits, or “limited time” opportunities - Pressure to invest more to unlock withdrawals

🚩 Red flags - You are asked to move money quickly or repeatedly - You cannot withdraw your funds without paying more - The person discourages independent advice

Safest next step - Stop sending money. - Contact your bank if you have already transferred funds.

Go to: Money at risk. What to do right now

Save evidence (optional). 60 seconds

Save a little evidence before you delete anything
  • Screenshot the message and sender details.
  • Note the date and time.
  • If it was a call, note the number that appeared on screen.
  • Keep any bank alerts or transaction screenshots.

Important

  • If you want to share evidence with someone you trust, share a screenshot. Do not forward a live link.
  • Do not share screenshots that include one-time codes, PINs, or passwords.

Tip

If you want a simple place to write everything down, use: Report and record. Simple incident log

If you want to talk to someone