Scam Questions & Answers
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Is an SMS from my bank asking me to confirm a new payee real?
Genuine new-payee confirmation texts do exist, but fraudulent texts designed to confirm a payee the scammer already set up are also sent. Never use a number or link in the text — call your bank's official number.
Is a supplier who changed their bank details by email legitimate?
Bank detail change requests by email are a top vector for business payment fraud. Always verify any bank detail change by calling your supplier on a known number before making any payment.
Is a weight-loss supplement endorsed by a doctor on Facebook real?
Facebook ads featuring doctor endorsements for weight-loss products are frequently fraudulent. The doctor may not exist, the endorsement may be fabricated, and the product rarely delivers its claims.
Is a fake invoice using a well-known supplier's name a scam?
Yes. Invoice fraud involves sending convincing fake invoices using legitimate company names and branding, counting on busy accounts teams to pay without checking.
Is a cheap car diagnostic OBD tool sold online a scam?
Cheap OBD diagnostic tools from unknown sellers may be counterfeit, non-functional, or in rare cases designed to harvest data from your vehicle's systems via a paired app.
Can I get my money back after paying a fake online store?
You may be able to chargeback the payment if you paid by credit or debit card. Act quickly — contact your card issuer within days of realising the store is fake.
Is a Google Ads result for a financial service always safe?
No. Fraudsters purchase Google Ads using brand names that closely resemble legitimate banks, investment platforms, or brokers. Always verify the URL before entering any details.
Is a cold email offering a business partnership or distribution deal a scam?
Unsolicited partnership emails can be advance-fee fraud, a pretext for data harvesting, or fake business opportunity scams. Verify independently before engaging.
Is a text from Amazon about an order I didn't place a scam?
Yes — texts about Amazon orders you did not place are phishing attempts designed to get you to click a link or call a number and hand over your account credentials.
Is someone who sent money to me by accident running a scam?
Almost certainly yes. 'Accidental' transfers to strangers are a well-known scam opener: the money comes from a stolen account, and when you refund it, you are out of pocket.
Is a fake eBay shipping label or payment confirmation email a scam?
Fake eBay emails are a major phishing category. They aim to trick sellers into shipping goods before payment is confirmed or buyers into entering credentials on a fake login page.
Is a doorstep solar panel or cavity wall insulation quote a scam?
Unsolicited doorstep quotes for home improvements often use high-pressure selling, inflated prices, or upfront deposits that disappear. Always get multiple written quotes and check contractor credentials.
Is a cryptocurrency trading bot that guarantees profit real?
No trading bot can guarantee profit. Any service promising guaranteed positive returns from an automated crypto bot is either lying about its performance or is an outright scam.
Is an online romantic partner who is always away on work trips or posted overseas a scammer?
Permanent absence from in-person meetings is one of the most consistent red flags in romance scams. Legitimate partners find ways to meet or at minimum do live, verifiable video calls.
Is a missed call from an unknown number that I called back a premium-rate scam?
Yes — 'wangiri' or one-ring scams use numbers in premium-rate ranges. Calling back can result in a large charge appearing on your phone bill.
Is a social media page selling event tickets legitimate?
Social media ticket sellers are a high-risk category — fake pages proliferate ahead of popular events. Always buy from the official venue, promoter, or a recognised secondary ticketing platform.
Is a public records removal service legitimate?
Some data removal services genuinely submit opt-out requests to data brokers, but many are ineffective, overpriced, or outright scams. Understand what you are buying before paying.
Is an online psychic or tarot reading subscription a scam?
Many online psychic platforms exploit vulnerable people with vague 'personalised' readings, subscription traps, and escalating offers that extract large amounts of money over time.
Is a website charging fees to help me apply for a passport a government scam?
Many unofficial websites charge facilitation fees to process applications you could submit directly to the government for free or at the official fee. Always use your national government's official passport portal.
Is a personal trainer or online coach asking for full payment upfront a scam?
Full upfront payment for coaching with no contract or trial period is a risk. Ghost coaching scams — where payment is collected and the coach disappears — are increasingly common online.
Is a crypto wallet seed phrase recovery service legitimate?
Seed phrase recovery services are almost exclusively scams. Anyone asking for your seed phrase will use it to steal your entire wallet — no legitimate service needs it.
Is a toll road fine sent by text with a payment link real?
Toll authority smishing texts are among the most reported fraud types. Genuine toll agencies send notices by post, not by unsolicited text with a payment link.
Is a low-interest debt consolidation loan offered by phone a scam?
Cold call debt consolidation loan offers are a significant fraud risk — advance-fee fraud and phishing for financial details are both common in this category.
Is a charity text asking for donations after a natural disaster real?
Genuine charities do use SMS donation campaigns, but disaster phishing texts impersonating charities appear within hours of major events. Always donate through the charity's verified official channels.
Is a negative balance notification on a marketplace or payment account a scam?
Unexpected negative balance notifications are often phishing attempts. Log in directly to your account to verify any real balance issue — do not act on a text or email link.
Is a cashback portal that requires a membership fee legitimate?
Most legitimate cashback sites are free to join. Portals charging an upfront membership fee should be researched carefully — some are pyramid-style schemes or simply collect fees with minimal real cashback.
Is a Microsoft 365 email asking me to update my payment details real?
Microsoft 365 payment and billing emails are heavily cloned by phishers. Always verify billing issues by logging in to your Microsoft account directly — never through a link in an email.
Is a crypto exchange asking me to re-verify my identity by email a scam?
Phishing emails impersonating crypto exchanges with KYC (know your customer) verification requests are very common. Always log in to the exchange directly — never upload documents via an email link.
Is a two-factor authentication code request I didn't trigger a sign I am being hacked?
Yes — receiving an unexpected 2FA code means someone has your username and password and is actively trying to log in to your account. Change your password immediately.
Is a work-from-home medical billing job offered online legitimate?
Work-from-home medical billing jobs are frequently used as a vehicle for advance-fee fraud or to recruit money mules. Verify any offer through a credentialed healthcare staffing agency.
Why did a stranger send me money on Cash App?
A random money transfer from an unknown person is almost always the first step in a scam — usually an overpayment or money-mule scheme.
Is it normal for a landlord to only contact me by text or email?
Legitimate landlords communicate by various means, but a landlord who refuses any phone or video call and pushes for a deposit before you view the property is a major warning sign.
Is an email from DocuSign or Adobe Sign asking me to review a document safe?
Fake DocuSign and Adobe Sign emails are a common phishing method. Verify the sender domain and log in directly — do not click the email link.
Is a text asking me to rate my recent delivery a scam?
Texts prompting delivery feedback that include a link to claim a reward are often phishing attempts designed to steal card details.
Is a caller saying my National Insurance number has been compromised a scam?
Yes. No UK government body will call you to say your National Insurance number is compromised and demand you verify it or make a payment.
Is a WhatsApp message from a celebrity offering me a prize real?
No. Celebrities do not contact members of the public directly on WhatsApp to give away prizes. This is a scam.
Is a text saying I have a pending benefits payment real?
Texts claiming a benefits payment is waiting and asking you to click a link or confirm details are phishing scams imitating government benefit agencies.
Is a friend request from someone I already follow on Facebook a scam?
Yes — receiving a second friend request from someone already on your friends list almost always means a scammer has cloned that person's account.
Is an unsolicited email offering me a job as an online English tutor a scam?
Unsolicited tutor job offers via email are frequently scams involving upfront fees, fake cheques, or money-mule recruitment.
Is buying from a ticket resale site other than the official venue safe?
Unofficial ticket resale sites vary widely in legitimacy. Some are licensed secondary marketplaces; others are outright scams that sell fake or non-existent tickets.
Is an Instagram DM saying I won a brand giveaway real?
Most Instagram DMs claiming you won a brand giveaway are scams run from fake accounts imitating genuine brands.
Is a romance partner who introduces me to their friend's investment platform a scammer?
Yes. This is the classic structure of pig-butchering — a romance relationship engineered to introduce you to a fake investment platform.
Is a no-credit-check personal loan offer legitimate?
Legitimate lenders always conduct some creditworthiness checks. A 'no credit check' loan offer — especially one requiring an upfront fee — is almost always a scam.
Can I get scammed by scanning a QR code on a flyer or poster?
Yes. QR codes on printed flyers can point to phishing pages, fake payment portals, or malware downloads just like digital QR codes.
Is a pop-up saying my computer is infected and to call a number real?
No. Legitimate antivirus software and operating systems never display phone numbers to call. This is a tech-support scam pop-up.
Is a recruitment agency asking me to pay a fee to find me a job legitimate?
In most countries it is illegal for a recruitment agency to charge job seekers fees. Any agency asking for payment upfront is a major red flag.
What does it mean if a scam email includes my real password?
The password was obtained from a data breach. It does not mean your device is hacked — but you should change that password immediately.
Is a cold call offering to reduce my energy bill a scam?
Cold calls promising to cut your energy bill are often scams or high-pressure sales for overpriced switching services. Genuine tariff switching is done through regulated comparison sites.
Is a vehicle history check site that charges me before showing results legitimate?
Some vehicle history check sites are legitimate but charge per report. However, fake or misleading sites exist — verify the provider's credentials before paying.
Is a call from a known relative's number asking for bail money a real emergency?
Probably not. This is a variant of the grandparent scam using spoofed or cloned numbers. Verify directly before sending any money.
Is a new online store with only five-star reviews trustworthy?
Not necessarily. An exclusively positive review profile — especially on a newly launched site — is a common feature of fake online stores.
Is a text from my bank with a one-time passcode always safe to use?
Only if you initiated the action it authorises. One-time passcodes you did not trigger indicate someone else is trying to access your account.
Is a door-to-door seller of cleaning products or tools running a scam?
Not always a fraud, but high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics are common and in some countries heavily regulated. Never feel obliged to buy on the spot.
Is an online course promising to replace my income in 30 days legitimate?
Income-replacement claims attached to online courses are almost universally misleading marketing. Genuine education providers do not make financial guarantees.
Is a payment link sent by a seller on Facebook Marketplace safe?
Only use Facebook's built-in checkout for Marketplace purchases. External payment links sent by sellers are a common fraud vector.
Is a text saying I have an unread voicemail and to click a link a scam?
Yes. Texts with voicemail notification links are a widespread phishing method — the link leads to a credential-stealing page or malware download.
Is an email from a law firm saying I am named in a will real?
Unsolicited emails claiming a distant relative named you in a will are an advance-fee fraud. Legitimate estate solicitors do not contact beneficiaries by cold email.
Is a stranger asking me to share a Google Voice verification code a scam?
Yes. Sharing that code allows the scammer to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone, which they then use for fraud.
Is a business email asking me to update a supplier's bank details safe?
Not until verified independently. Fraudulent invoice redirection — also called BEC or APP fraud — is one of the most costly scams targeting businesses.
Is a charity collecting donations for sick children on social media legitimate?
Possibly — but charity impersonation and crowdfunding fraud are common. Verify any charity's registration before donating.
Is a vishing call from my bank about suspected fraud on my account real?
It could be real but is more likely a scam. Always hang up and call your bank back using the number on your card — never use a number from the call.
Is a cryptocurrency exchange that appeared in a social media ad safe to use?
Ads for crypto exchanges deserve extra scrutiny — fake or unregulated exchanges are advertised widely and can disappear with your funds.
Is a housing benefit voucher or Section 8 assistance offer I found online legitimate?
Legitimate housing assistance is applied for through government agencies — not through social media ads, private websites, or individuals selling 'slots'.
What happens if I click a phishing link but don't enter any information?
Clicking alone is usually low risk if your device is updated, but some links can deliver malware silently. Check your device and monitor your accounts.
Is an online pharmacy selling prescription medicine without a prescription safe?
No. Pharmacies that supply prescription medication without a valid prescription are operating illegally and the products may be counterfeit or dangerous.
Is a fake job posting on LinkedIn common?
Yes. LinkedIn job listings are not all verified and fake postings are used to harvest personal data, collect fees, or recruit money mules.
Is a cold call offering me a free home security system a scam?
Free home security system offers are almost always a high-pressure sales tactic involving long-term monitoring contracts or are outright scams.
Is a text from HMRC about a council tax rebate real?
No. HMRC does not send texts about council tax. Council tax is administered by local councils, and neither body initiates rebates by text with a link.
Is a pet transport or shipping fee request for a puppy I bought online a scam?
Almost certainly yes. Escalating transport and insurance fee requests for a pet that has not arrived are the signature of an online puppy scam.
Is a Telegram bot offering automated trading profits legitimate?
No legitimate automated trading system is distributed through Telegram bots with profit guarantees. These are almost always investment fraud.
Is a mystery prize email from a well-known retailer real?
Emails claiming you have won a mystery prize from a major retailer are almost always phishing or lead-generation fraud using the brand's name without permission.
Is a phone call saying my broadband is about to be cut off a scam?
Almost certainly yes if it was unsolicited. Genuine broadband providers notify you by email or letter, not automated calls threatening immediate disconnection.
Is it safe to give my email address to enter a free competition online?
Free online competitions frequently collect email addresses to sell to marketers, enter you into subscriptions, or send phishing emails — read the terms carefully.
Is it safe for a friend or online contact to ask me to hold money in my bank account?
No. Allowing someone to use your account to receive or hold funds makes you a money mule — which is a criminal offence in most countries.
Is a cashier's check from a buyer always safe to deposit?
No. Cashier's checks can be convincing fakes that appear to clear initially but are later reversed, leaving you responsible for any funds you withdrew or forwarded.
Is a job that pays me to buy and resell items on Amazon a scam?
Resale and arbitrage job offers that ask you to use your own money and accounts are usually fronts for money laundering or advance-fee schemes.
Is a WhatsApp group run by a bank employee offering investment tips legitimate?
No. Bank employees are prohibited from sharing investment tips through private messaging groups. This is a common set-up for insider-tip investment fraud.
Is an email from PayPal saying a large payment was sent to me a scam?
If you were not expecting a payment, treat it with caution — it may be a phishing email impersonating PayPal, or the start of an overpayment scheme.
Is a text about a speed camera fine or driving penalty asking for online payment real?
Texts about traffic fines demanding immediate online payment via a link are almost always phishing scams. Genuine fines arrive by post.
Is a social media ad for a government grant for small businesses real?
Almost certainly not. Legitimate government grant programmes are not advertised through social media ads and never require upfront fees to apply.
Is a debt relief company that guarantees to clear my debt legitimate?
Guaranteed debt clearance claims are false — no company can legally guarantee debt write-off. Many debt relief companies are scams that take fees while resolving nothing.
Is a stranger on a dating app who wants to send me money a scammer?
Almost always yes. Sending money to a new match is a recruitment technique — the money may be stolen and your account used to launder it.
Is a college scholarship offer by email that I didn't apply for real?
Unsolicited scholarship offer emails are almost always scams designed to collect personal data or advance fees.
Is it normal for a cryptocurrency platform to charge a withdrawal tax before releasing funds?
No. Legitimate exchanges deduct fees from your balance — they never require you to pay a separate tax or fee from outside the platform before withdrawing.
Is a government text about a COVID payment or health rebate real?
Texts about health-related government payments are frequently used as phishing lures. Verify any payment claim through official government portals only.
Is a new cryptocurrency coin or token launch a good investment?
New coin launches carry extremely high fraud risk — rug pulls and pump-and-dump schemes are common and most new tokens fail or disappear.
Is an AI-generated deepfake of a news anchor promoting crypto real?
No. Deepfake videos of news anchors promoting cryptocurrencies are AI-fabricated fraud — no legitimate investment is marketed this way.
Is a used car seller asking for a deposit before I can view the car a scam?
Yes. No legitimate private seller or dealer requires a deposit before you view a car. This is a standard vehicle fraud tactic.
Is a call about my student loan from a company I don't recognise a scam?
Likely yes. Student loan servicers are assigned by your loan authority — calls from unknown companies claiming to manage or refinance your student debt are often fraud.
Is a rental listing that only accepts cryptocurrency as a deposit a scam?
Yes. No legitimate landlord requires cryptocurrency as a tenancy deposit. This is always a fraud.
Is a letter or email with a fake invoice for my domain or website renewal a scam?
Very likely yes. Domain renewal scams send invoices mimicking the look of official notices to trick website owners into paying an unknown registrar.
Is a phone call about a problem with my Amazon account a scam?
Almost certainly yes. Amazon does not make unsolicited calls about account issues. These calls are impersonation scams designed to steal your credentials or payment details.
Is a sponsored Facebook post from a well-known bank promoting an investment offer safe?
Not necessarily. Fraudsters run sponsored ads on Facebook using cloned bank branding. Always verify investment offers directly through the bank's official website.
Is a text saying I have unclaimed tax money waiting for me real?
Unexpected tax refund texts are almost always phishing scams. Tax authorities communicate through your tax account or by post — not via SMS links.
Is a call saying my national grid or smart meter needs urgent upgrading a scam?
Cold calls about urgent meter upgrades are often scams using utility company names to gain access to your home or financial details.
Is an online gaming tournament that charges an entry fee legitimate?
Paid tournaments exist on legitimate platforms, but many tournament scams collect fees and cancel the event or disappear with the prize pool.
Is a text from a delivery company asking for card details to redeliver my parcel real?
No. Genuine delivery companies do not ask for card details by text. This is a delivery phishing scam.
Is a high-yield savings account offered by email from a bank I don't recognise legitimate?
Unsolicited emails advertising above-market savings rates from unfamiliar banks deserve verification before any deposit. Some are fraudulent clone firms.
Is it safe to sell on Vinted or Depop and accept a bank transfer from a buyer?
No — accepting payment outside the platform's checkout removes all seller protection and is against the platforms' terms of service.
Is a cold email from a company asking to guest post on my blog a scam?
Not always, but many guest post outreach emails are link-buying operations or content spam campaigns that may harm your site's search reputation.