Telltale Warning signs of scams and fraud

Knowing these warning signs can stop you from becoming the next victim of a scam.

Fees: Are you asked to pay a fee or payment up front? If you are, can you find a similar product or service which doesn’t require an upfront payment? Up front payments are a classic characteristic of advance fee scams.

Credit card or bank account information needed: You should never have to give credit card or bank account information to anyone or any site which you are not 100% sure is genuine. If you are asked to give your bank details, check award providers are legitimate and that this information is really necessary.

No contact information: Legitimate businesses provide contact information upon request. If a business does not supply a valid e-mail address, phone number and mailing address (not a PO box) after you’ve asked for one, that could the sign of a scam. If they do, check out the address. Remember that email addresses can easily be set up  

Unsolicited email or cold call: If you are called to receive an email or call out of the blue, be alert - it could well be a scam. This is especially true if you have been scammed before because fraudsters reuse and even sell on lists of people who have been scammed.

Pressure tactics: Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into buying, especially you are being asked for money up front. Legitimate businesses do not need to use pressure tactics to sell good products or services.

Over official: Fraudsters sometimes go out of their way to sound “official”: Scammers sometimes use official-sounding words like “national”, "royal" or “federal” or they display an official-looking seal to fool you into thinking they are legitimate. If they do, google the organisation they claim to represent from a new search. Don't click on any links they provide for this purpose. Also, consider phoning the organisation directly.

Your questions aren’t answered directly: If you can’t get a straight answer, proceed with caution. Why do they need your details/information? What will it be used for? What is their address?

Unique opportunity - too good to miss: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, nothing comes for free in this world.