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Protect yourself

Scams and swindles are often so convincing that you don’t realise you’re being conned until it is too late. But there are ways to avoid the scams.

  1. Think hard before parting with your cash – if the deal on offer feels unofficial then consider why that is:
    • Are you being asked to give unnecessary or inappropriate details?
    • Does it sound like you’re being recruited to help dodge taxes?
    • Does the offer sound like you could be doing something illegal?

      If the answer to any of these questions is yes, think carefully before you act.
  2. Do not be tempted by offers where you have to pay in advance for something. These scams, including those telling you a prize is waiting for you if you send some money, have become increasingly popular. Don’t be fooled – see Scams and swindles.
  3. Be wary of firms insisting you pay in cash. Any legitimate business should accept payment by a credit or debit card, a cheque or bank transfer. And always ask for a full receipt – if you don’t, you have no record of the transaction.
  4. Seek independent financial advice if you are unsure about an investment or financial product. Investments often carry risks, but you can understand them with the help of an adviser – see Getting financial advice.
  5. Think carefully before making an investment solely on the recommendation of an organisation or religious group you belong to. A classic con trick is to say the investment will only pay out significantly to early investors.
  6. Throw away chain letters or emails and, if they contain any personal information, shred them. Ignore threats of bad luck if you don’t continue the chain – they’re simply attempting to scare you. Don’t let them.
  7. Charities. It can be difficult to spot a scam claiming to be a charity as there are many legitimate charities that do not need to be registered. If in doubt ask for a copy of the annual report and a copy of the accounts and also ensure that the organisation has a postal address instead of a PO Box, and a landline rather than a mobile telephone number. You can also check the status of a UK charity by looking them up on the Charity Commission's website – see Related links.

See our Scams and swindles section to find out what scams are parting people from their money.