Have you ever excitedly made a payment for an item online only to realise it doesn't exist?

This is known as a Purchase Scam. Scammers create enticing but fake listings on social media or shopping sites, frequently offering incredible deals to prompt you to make a quick decision. Once the payment is made the scammer vanishes—often deleting their fake profile.

Stop and think – are you being asked to transfer money before you’ve seen the item? Does the Confirmation of Payee check confirm a ‘match’ for the account name?

Always verify if the seller and product are genuine before making any payments.

Have you ever started a romantic relationship with someone online who then asked for money to deal with an emergency? This could be a classic Romance Scam, but what begins as a promising online friendship can unfortunately evolve into a financial nightmare. Scammers typically prey on your compassion, creating fake emergencies like family or financial crises to convince you to send them money over and over.

Stop and think – how likely are you to get back any money you lend your friend? Are you being asked to send money to a third party?

It’s crucial to meet someone in person and establish a genuine connection before offering any financial assistance.

Received a request to confirm payment to a supplier, but you've already paid?

In Invoice Redirection Scams, fraudsters intercept and modify invoices to direct your payments to their accounts rather than the intended business. Often the mistake is only noticed when the genuine business you intended to pay enquires about an overdue payment.

Stop and think – has the sort code and account number changed? If so, why has it changed?

Always confirm payment details directly with the person you are paying through a verified contact number.

Ever tempted by an investment opportunity claiming high returns with guaranteed security?

Beware of Investment Scams. These involve fraudsters persuading you to invest in fake opportunities through professional looking websites complete with convincing testimonials.

Stop and think – does it sound too good to be true? Are you being pressured into sending money quickly?

Before investing, it is crucial to discuss opportunities with a financial adviser and check the Financial Conduct Authority's website for legitimacy.

Been promised great rates on a loan or service but required to pay a deposit first?

This is known as an Advance Fee Scam. Scammers will promise you great rates or lucrative services in exchange for an upfront fee. Unfortunately, once the fee is paid, the promised service or loan never materialises.

Stop and think – were you contacted out of the blue about this offer? How do you know this is a genuine offer?

Always research the service provider and look for reviews or testimonials before making any advance payments.

Ever received a call from someone claiming to be the police or your bank, demanding immediate payment to avoid legal troubles?

This is an Impersonation Scam. Scammers make urgent requests with consequences if you don’t comply like fines or prison to frighten you into transferring money.

Stop and think – are you certain you’re speaking with the person/business you think you are?

Remember, legitimate authorities will never pressure you to make immediate financial transactions over the phone.

Has a supposed business executive contacted you urgently requesting a financial transaction because they've lost access to their resources?

In these CEO Impersonation Scams, fraudsters pose as high-level executives and manipulate employees into transferring company funds urgently.

Stop and think – is this a normal task for you in your role? Are you known to this person well enough that they would ask you for favours?

Always verify such requests directly through known, secure communication channels before executing any transactions.