Could you spot the warning signs of a scam?

Could you spot the warning signs of a scam?

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It's easier to get caught out than you might think

Most of us like to think we'd spot a scam straight away. But scammers have become increasingly sophisticated. They can create realistic-looking emails, clone phone numbers and even pretend to be trusted organisations.

The good news? There are usually a few tell-tale signs that something isn't right.

Here are six things to look out for.

 

Stop! Think Fraud: quick scam spotting checklist

Before you click, reply or send money, take a moment to ask yourself:

  1. Am I being pressured to act quickly?

  2. Does it sound too good to be true? 

  3. Am I being asked for personal or financial information?

  4. Does anything about the message feel unusual, such as wording, links or contact details?

  5. Have I been asked to pay in an unusual way?

  6. Can I independently verify who has contacted me? 

If the answer is ‘yes’ or ‘I’m not sure’, stop and think before you act.

1. They're trying to rush you 

One of the biggest red flags is pressure. A scammer might tell you that:

  • your account is at risk
  • a payment needs to be made immediately
  • you've won a prize that will expire soon
  • an investment opportunity won't be available tomorrow.

The aim is simple: to rush you before you have time to think.

Remember: If someone is pushing you to act straight away, take a step back.

2. It sounds too good to be true 

We've all heard the saying, but it's still one of the best ways to spot a scam. Be wary of promises like:

  • guaranteed returns
  • quick profits
  • risk-free investments
  • free money with little effort.

If it sounds unusually generous, it's worth taking a closer look.

3. They're asking for personal information

Your bank, pension provider or other trusted organisations shouldn't ask you to share things like:

  • Passwords
  • PINs
  • Security codes
  • One-time passcodes.

If anyone asks for these details, alarm bells should start ringing.

A good rule: Keep passwords and security codes to yourself, no matter who appears to be asking.

4. Something just doesn't look right

Sometimes the clues are hidden in plain sight. Look out for:

  • unusual wording or spelling mistakes
  • strange email addresses
  • generic greetings like "Dear customer"
  • links that don't match the organisation's website.

Scam messages can look polished, so don’t rely on spelling mistakes alone. If anything feels off, it’s worth taking a second look.

5. They want paying in an unusual way

Scammers often prefer payment methods that are difficult to trace. Be cautious if you're asked to pay using:

  • gift cards
  • cryptocurrency
  • direct bank transfers to personal accounts.

A legitimate business shouldn’t pressure you to pay in a way that feels unusual or hard to trace.

6. They're pretending to be someone you trust

Many scams work because they appear to come from a familiar source. That could be:

  • your bank
  • HMRC
  • a delivery company
  • a utility provider
  • even a friend or family member.

If you're unsure, don't use the contact details in the message. Instead, contact the organisation using details from their official website.

Stop! Think Fraud: what to do if something feels wrong

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t respond straight away. Instead:

  • don't click links or open attachments
  • don’t share passwords, PINs, security codes or one-time passcodes
  • contact the organisation directly using details from its official website, app or documents you already trust
  • talk to someone you trust if you’re unsure
  • if you think you’ve shared details or sent money, contact your bank or provider straight away.

Taking a few minutes to check could help you avoid making a decision you later regret.

If you think you’ve been scammed

If you’ve shared personal information, made a payment or think someone may have accessed your account, act quickly. Contact your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card, in your banking app or on the bank’s official website. You should also contact your pension provider or any other relevant organisation using trusted contact details and report the scam through the appropriate official channels.

Trust your instincts

Scammers are always looking for new ways to catch people out, but a little awareness can go a long way. By knowing what to look for and taking a moment to pause before you act, you can help protect yourself, your money and your future.

Scams can be difficult to spot but building in one simple habit, Stop! Think Fraud, can help you protect your money and feel more confident about the decisions you make.

Want to feel more confident protecting your money? Explore Be Money Well for practical tools and guidance to help you stay informed, plan ahead and make decisions with confidence.

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