5 Scams to watch out for

1. Purchase scams

Online shopping is convenient, but it’s also a target for scammers who trick you into paying for goods that don’t exist or never arrive. These scams often lure buyers with unbelievably low prices or fake reviews, making it hard to tell what’s real.

What to look out for:

• Suspicious seller profiles: Be wary of brand-new accounts with no buying history or feedback, generic or stolen photos, and little to no personal details. Scammers rely on anonymity to avoid detection.
• Fake profiles on social media: That pretend to sell tickets for gigs or events, or anything of value — normal electrical items, phones, consoles, cars, and watches. Scammers can make their profiles look real, but the tickets or items often don’t exist. Never pay for the item in advance, and always ensure you see the item before handing any cash over. Only buy from people you trust. If something feels off or too good to be true, it’s safer not to buy.
• Low-quality listings: Listings with blurry or pixelated images, strange watermarks, or poor grammar can indicate a scam. Descriptions might feel rushed, generic, or AI-generated without clear details.
• Prices that are too good to be true: If the deal is drastically cheaper than usual market prices, it’s likely a lure. Research what the item typically costs to spot unrealistic offers.
• Requests for unusual payment methods: Legitimate companies and businesses have secure payment systems. If a seller asks you to pay via bank transfer, gift cards, or outside the platform to “save fees,” it’s a red flag.
• Fake websites: Always check that the website has a padlock icon in the address bar and look for signs it’s trustworthy - like a privacy policy, contact details, and any trust badges or security seals.
• Be cautious of sites with poor spelling, outdated branding, fake reviews, or contact details that seem personal rather than professional. You can also report suspicious websites directly to the National Cyber Security Centre.
• Don't click on any links in emails that seem suspicious. Instead, report anything unusual to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Don’t reply or click on anything – forward the details to emailscams@tsb.co.uk and we’ll take it from there.

For further advice, follow Citizen Advice’s recommendations for what to do if you’ve been scammed. 

2. Impersonation scams 

Scammers pretend to be trusted organisations such as banks, government agencies, or police to create fear and urgency, tricking you into giving away money or personal information. They use psychological pressure to make you act quickly - something you might not have done if you'd taken a moment to think it through.

What to look out for:

• Fake caller IDs and numbers: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to look like they’re calling from a trusted organisation, making it hard to tell if the call is genuine. Try to avoid answering unknown numbers. Call 159 to securely get through to your bank if you are unsure (this is a chargeable number).
• High-pressure tactics: They often claim your account is at risk or that legal action is imminent, pushing you to act immediately without time to think.
• Requests for sensitive information: Genuine organisations will never ask for your full banking login details, passwords, or to download software giving remote access to your device.
• Demanding unusual actions: "Be cautious if asked to transfer money to a 'safe' account, withdraw cash for an 'officer,' or share verification codes from texts. TSB or the police would never ask you to move money to a new 'safe' account."

3. Romance fraud on social media

Romance scams prey on people’s emotions by creating fake relationships online. Scammers build trust and affection before manipulating victims into sending money, often exploiting loneliness or vulnerability.

What to look out for:

• New or suspicious profiles: Fake profiles often have limited or suspicious activity, use overly professional or stolen photos, or have very few friends or followers. Try using a reverse image search. This means you can upload or paste a photo into a search tool to see where else it shows up online. It can help you find out where the picture really came from or if it's been used in other places.
• Avoiding face-to-face contact: Scammers will avoid video calls or in-person meetings with excuses like working abroad or personal emergencies to stay anonymous.
• Sudden money requests: Once trust is established, requests for money to help with emergencies like medical bills, travel costs, or lost funds are a major warning sign.
• Moving conversations off official platforms: Scammers try to shift chats from dating sites or social media to WhatsApp, email, or messaging apps where they are harder to trace.

4. Investment Fraud

Investment scams promise high returns with little or no risk, luring people into putting money into fake or fraudulent schemes. They often target people interested in cryptocurrencies, stocks, or foreign exchange, offering unrealistic profits.

What to look out for:

• Cold calls or unexpected offers: Be cautious if approached out of the blue by someone urging you to invest quickly or without proper information.
• Pressure to recruit others: Scammers often encourage you to bring in friends or family, promising bigger returns or bonuses.
• Lack of transparency: Real investments provide clear documentation, regulatory details, and contact information. Scammers often avoid or delay sharing these.
• Check registration: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s InvestSmart tool to verify if the firm or advisor is authorised.

5. Rogue Traders

Rogue traders offer home repairs or services at suspiciously low prices, then overcharge, do poor work, or disappear after taking payment. They often pressure homeowners to make quick decisions often never intending to actually do the work promised, especially to vulnerable or older people.

What to look out for:

• Unsolicited visits or calls: Be cautious if someone knocks on your door or contacts you unexpectedly about repairs or maintenance.
• Unrealistically low quotes: Very cheap prices may be bait to get in the door, but costs can escalate once “work begins.”
• High-pressure sales tactics: Scammers push for immediate payment in full, often requesting cash or faster payment methods to avoid traceability.
• Lack of credentials: Check for proper identification, business registration, and verifiable reviews. Online presence limited to social media without a professional website can be suspicious.

TSB’s Top Tips If You Spot a Scammer

• Suspicious websites: Don’t click on any links. Report them here - NCSC.GOV.UK
• Suspicious emails, texts, or QR codes: Forward to emailscams@tsb.co.uk - we can investigate these at TSB.
• Phishing emails: Forward to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Suspicious text messages: Forward to 7726 (it is free to text this number). Your mobile network will use the reported information to investigate and take action.
  
• Suspicious phone calls: Send the number followed by CALL to 7726.
• Suspicious Google ads: Report them here: Report an ad or shopping listing - Ads Help.