Disclaimer: Our website and publications aim to give you general information to help you make financial decisions. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. Our helpline can answer general enquiries about financial products and services on 0300 500 5000, and give you information and pointers to help you work out what’s right for you. For advice with a view to making decisions about your own circumstances you should consult a financial or other professional adviser.

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Stay safe

Getting the right financial product can be complicated, and unfortunately there are some unscrupulous people who will take advantage of this to try to part you from your money.

However, there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself from dodgy salesmen, bad deals and outright fraud.

You can help protect yourself by:

  • knowing the right questions to ask when you're buying financial services or seeking advice;
  • knowing the warning signs to look out for if anything is wrong; and
  • being familiar with how criminals operate scams and swindles so you don't get caught out by one.

This section contains our top tips, some do's and don'ts, and other more general things to bear in mind whatever the circumstance.