How to spot an online scam

In today’s digital world, online scams are everywhere. They’ve been around for ages, but their tactics have changed.

No longer quite so obvious as the Nigerian prince emails (though they’re still around); scams have become much more sophisticated.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but there are simple ways to protect yourself.

Keep reading to learn about various types of online scams and how to stay safe.

Common types of scams

Online scammers have a numerous tricks up their sleeves.

Here are some of the most common ones:

Identity fraud 

This occurs when someone steals your personal information. They might use it to take out loans in your name:

• impersonation scams

Romance fraud 

Here, an online scammer tricks you into thinking you are in a romantic relationship.

They often use a fake profile and may attempt to get you to share money or personal details.

Sometimes, they ask you to perform transactions for them.

Phishing, smishing and vishing 

These are tactics where scammers usually try to obtain your private information via email, text messages, or phone calls by pretending to be someone else.

Phishing threats can also take the form of:

• copycat websites
• fake banking websites
• dodgy QR codes

Students are particularly susceptible to smishing – the most common type of scam.

They’ll usually be asked to click a link to verify bank details or confirm personal information, resulting in their student loans diverted to a scammer’s own bank account.

Investment and pension fraud 

This happens when someone unexpectedly approaches you with an offer to invest or cash in your pension. Their goal is to convince you to part with your money.

Social media fraud 

Scammers use social media platforms to mislead people into losing their money, often through fake ads, websites, or opportunities, such as:

• tickets for events like gigs and football matches
• second-hand marketplaces, such as Depop, Shpock, Preloved, Vinted, etc.
• holiday scams
• car scams

APP scams

APP – authorised push payment scams – happen when a criminal tricks you into sending them money by pretending to be someone else, rather than accessing your account and stealing money without you knowing. Most of the previous scams we’ve listed can be an APP scam.

How to stay safe

Staying safe online is all about being cautious.

Here are some handy tips:

• Always check the sender's email address.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Look for secure websites (https://).
• Never share personal information unless you’re sure you’re sharing it with the right person.
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never share your bank, PIN or national insurance number.
• Shred or destroy letters containing your personal details. Don’t just throw them away.
• Change online passwords regularly. Make them as strong as possible.
• Keep your antivirus protection up to date on all of your devices.
• Be suspicious of cold callers.

We’ve also got more information about spotting spear-phishing scams as well as scam AI videos to help keep you safe.

What to do if you've been scammed

If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, don’t panic. Take these steps:

• If you feel at risk of harm, call 999.
• Tell your bank or building society.
• Report it to Action Fraud.
• Change your online passwords.
• Keep an eye on your credit report.
• Be wary of companies contacting you offering you help getting your money back. This could be part of the scam.
• If you need emotional support, get in touch with Victim Support.

If the scam:

• is an investment scam, get in touch with the Financial Conduct Authority
• happened on a social media site, report it to the platform where it occurred
• involved someone pretending to be from the Student Loans Company (SLC) or Student Finance England, report it to [email protected] and the SLC hotline – 0300 100 0059

Stay informed

Knowledge is your best defence – read our guide about outsmarting online scammers and stay updated on the latest scams.

Trust your instincts and always take a moment to think before acting.