Scam Questions & Answers
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Is an NHS or Medicare contact asking for my personal details to send a new card real?
No. The NHS and Medicare do not contact patients to gather details for card replacement — this is an impersonation scam.
Is a Telegram group promising daily percentage returns on a pooled trading fund a scam?
Yes. Pooled trading funds promising consistent daily returns on Telegram are unregulated investment fraud or Ponzi schemes.
Is an email asking me to verify my PayPal account by calling a phone number real?
No. Legitimate PayPal account verification is done inside your PayPal account — not by phone call. This is a vishing set-up.
Is an offer for a free government-subsidised phone or tablet through an ad real?
Legitimate programmes exist (such as the Affordable Connectivity Program in the US), but many ads exploit the programme's name to collect personal data or fees.
Is a cryptocurrency mining pool that requires a joining fee legitimate?
No. Legitimate mining pools do not charge joining fees — they take a small percentage of mined rewards. Any upfront joining fee is a fraud signal.
Is a love interest on social media who claims to be a doctor working abroad a scammer?
This profile description is a very common cover story in romance fraud. Be very cautious before developing trust with someone fitting this description.
Is a request to pay using Google Play or App Store gift cards ever legitimate?
No. Gift cards are never a legitimate payment method for anything outside their intended app stores. Any request to pay using them is a scam.
Is a social media post asking me to share a lost dog photo to win a prize a scam?
These posts are almost always engagement-farming scams that have nothing to do with a real lost pet or a genuine prize.
Is a company asking me to sign an NDA before revealing an investment opportunity a scam?
Requiring an NDA before disclosing any investment details is a manipulation tactic, not a standard practice. It creates pressure and discourages you from seeking advice.
Is an app that pays me to walk or exercise a real way to earn money?
Move-to-earn apps exist, but many are short-lived crypto schemes that lose value quickly. Verify the app before investing time or money.
Is a cold call about mis-sold PPI or car finance a scam?
Claims management calls about PPI or car finance may be legitimate or may be fee-charging scams. Genuine claims do not require upfront fees.
Is a job offer asking me to receive and forward parcels from home legitimate?
No. Parcel forwarding jobs are one of the most common forms of reshipping fraud, used to launder goods bought with stolen payment cards.
Is a Bitcoin investment app my relative or friend uses safe for me to join?
Not necessarily. Many people unknowingly promote fraudulent platforms after being convinced by fake early returns. Verify independently before depositing anything.
Is an immigration consultant asking for cash-only payment legitimate?
Legitimate immigration professionals accept traceable payments. Cash-only requests are a significant fraud indicator in immigration services.
Is a fake antivirus scan result that pops up on a website real?
No. Websites cannot scan your device. Pop-up scan results showing virus detections are fake alerts designed to frighten you into downloading malware or calling a scam number.
Is it normal for a courier to request a copy of my ID before releasing a parcel?
Genuine couriers do not request ID copies sent by email or messaging app. Signature confirmation is the standard — anything beyond this is suspicious.
Is a trading signal group that guarantees forex profits legitimate?
No. Forex and trading signal groups guaranteeing profits are almost universally fraudulent or deceptive marketing for unregulated brokers.
Is a health supplement advertised as a cure for a disease real?
No. Supplements are not approved as cures for diseases. Health claims implying a product cures, treats, or prevents a medical condition are illegal in most countries.
Is a mobile app asking for excessive permissions a security risk?
Yes. An app requesting permissions beyond what its function requires is a significant privacy and security red flag.
Is a crowdfunded startup on a public platform safe to invest in?
Equity crowdfunding carries high risk of total loss. Platforms must be regulated, but that does not mean the businesses listed will succeed.
Is a bank draft or money order from a buyer safe to accept?
Bank drafts and money orders can be counterfeited convincingly. Never spend or forward funds until your bank confirms full and final clearance.
Is an email about a package waiting at customs requiring me to pay fees real?
Genuine customs charges are possible but are communicated officially. Email links requesting card details for customs fees are almost always phishing.
Is a request to contact an energy company about an overpayment refund real?
Overpayment refund calls and texts from energy companies are frequently phishing attempts. Verify by logging into your account directly.
Is a gaming account recovery service safe to use?
Third-party account recovery services carry significant risk of account theft. Use only the official account recovery tools provided by the game developer.
Is a text from Netflix or Spotify saying there is a problem with my payment real?
Streaming service payment failure texts are a very common phishing method. Verify any issue by logging into the service's official app or website.
Is a website that checks if my data was leaked in a breach safe to use?
Reputable breach-check tools are safe. Only use well-known, established services — fake equivalents harvest the very credentials you are trying to protect.
Is a private seller who asks to see my ID before a cash sale a scam?
Reputable private sellers do not need to see your government ID for a standard cash sale. This is an unusual request that warrants caution.
Is a WhatsApp gift exchange chain message a scam?
Yes. Gift exchange chain messages on WhatsApp and social media are pyramid schemes. Participants almost always lose their gift and their money.
Is a Google search ad for a bank or crypto platform safe to click?
Search ads for financial services are heavily targeted by fraudsters. Always navigate to the financial institution's official website directly rather than via ads.
Is a person I met at a hotel or airport who offers a business deal trustworthy?
Use the same caution you would with any stranger. In-person approaches with business proposals are used in confidence tricks and advance-fee fraud.
Is a text message with a parcel locker PIN code I didn't expect a scam?
It could be. Unsolicited parcel locker codes are sometimes sent by scammers to manipulate you into visiting a location or revealing personal details.
Is a buy-now-pay-later offer from a brand I have never heard of safe?
Not necessarily. Fake BNPL services harvest payment details upfront and never deliver goods or credit.
Is a buyer asking me to accept a refund or return outside the marketplace a scam?
Almost always yes. Requests to handle refunds off-platform remove all the protections the marketplace offers you as a seller.
Is an investment app recommended by a friend on social media safe to use?
Be very cautious. Your friend's account may have been hacked, or they may unknowingly be promoting a scam platform.
Is a free government benefits check offered by phone legitimate?
Probably not. Cold calls offering to find unclaimed government benefits are usually data-harvesting or advance-fee scams.
Is a travel visa agency asking for full payment upfront before submitting my application legitimate?
Full upfront payment before any service is delivered is a red flag for visa-agency fraud, especially if the agency cannot be independently verified.
Is a subscription service that is impossible to cancel a scam?
Deliberately hard-to-cancel subscriptions may not always be scams, but hiding cancellation routes is deceptive and often illegal under consumer protection law.
Is an online course certificate from a platform I have never heard of valid for employment?
Certificates from unaccredited or fake platforms have no recognised value and are sometimes sold purely to extract money from job seekers.
Is a free real estate investment seminar that later tries to sell me expensive courses a scam?
Free seminars used as a funnel to sell high-priced mentorship programmes or courses are a well-documented scam format — the 'free' event is the sales pitch.
Is a job someone found through a Facebook group and is recommending to me trustworthy?
Not necessarily. Your friend may have been misled themselves, or their account could be compromised — always verify the employer independently.
Is a dating app match who only messages me late at night and never during daytime a scammer?
Unusual messaging patterns can indicate someone operating across time zones as part of a scripted romance scam operation.
Is a classified-ad seller who asks me to pay by gift card a scammer?
Yes. No legitimate private seller accepts gift cards as payment for goods. This is a defining sign of a scam.
Is a social media verification badge a guarantee that an account is legitimate?
No. Verification badges confirm identity at the time of approval but do not prevent accounts from being sold, compromised, or used deceptively after verification.
Is a gig work app that requires me to pay a background check fee before I can work legitimate?
Legitimate gig platforms cover background check costs themselves or use trusted third-party services at no charge to workers.
Is a call or message saying my social media account will be closed unless I verify immediately a scam?
Yes. Social media platforms do not phone users to warn of account closure, and legitimate suspension notices never demand immediate action via a call.
Is it safe to make an in-app purchase inside a free app I downloaded from an app store?
Generally yes if the app is legitimate, but some apps use misleading dark patterns, unexpected recurring charges, or prey on children making accidental purchases.
Is a debt collector asking me to pay by prepaid debit card or wire transfer legitimate?
No legitimate debt collector requires payment by prepaid card or wire transfer. This is a hallmark of phantom debt scams.
Is a crypto or NFT project that promises returns backed by real-world assets legitimate?
Such claims require serious independent verification. Most retail investors cannot check the underlying assets, making these projects highly susceptible to fraud.
Is a pet insurance policy sold to me by cold call legitimate?
Cold-call pet insurance sales are rarely from genuine insurers — many are fake policies that take your premium but provide no real cover.
Is a prize competition on social media that requires me to share a post and follow an account real?
Many are fake. Engagement-farming competitions collect followers and shares but never award prizes, or they build audiences for later scam promotions.
Is a call from my telecom provider saying I was overcharged and they need me to open my banking app to process a refund a scam?
Yes. Unsolicited refund calls that ask you to open your banking app are a well-known fraud format used to steal money.
Is a loan offer that only requires a small processing fee before the funds are released real?
No. Advance fee loan fraud is one of the most common financial scams — any loan that requires upfront fees before funds are released is fraudulent.
Can scammers use AI voice cloning to impersonate my bank on a phone call?
Yes. AI voice synthesis can produce convincing copies of real voices and is increasingly used to impersonate trusted callers.
Is a pay-per-task app that requires me to buy an upgrade before I can withdraw my earnings a scam?
Yes. Any earnings platform that requires a fee to unlock withdrawals is a task scam — the displayed balance is fictional.
Is a ticket resale website with high prices but no independent reviews safe to buy from?
No. Unreviewed ticket resale sites are a major source of counterfeit and non-existent ticket fraud, especially for high-demand events.
Is a message saying my iCloud or Google storage is full and I must pay immediately to avoid losing data real?
Be cautious. Genuine storage warnings come through the app's own settings interface, not through unexpected texts or pop-ups with payment links.
Is my elderly family member at extra risk from scammers and how can I help protect them?
Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers. Protective conversations, call-blocking tools, and clear safe-word agreements are among the most effective defences.
Is a new cryptocurrency exchange offering much higher interest rates than established platforms safe?
Very unlikely. Abnormally high interest rates on a new or unknown crypto platform are a hallmark of fraud or a platform doomed to collapse.
Is a door-to-door charity collector using a tablet or card reader to take donations legitimate?
Some are genuine, but door-to-door collection fraud is common. Always verify the collector's identity and the charity's registration before donating.
Is a private car seller who insists on using an escrow service I have never heard of a scammer?
Very likely. Fake escrow services are one of the most common tools used in online vehicle purchase fraud.
Is a QR code at a concert or event venue safe to scan?
Usually yes if it is an official sign, but scammers sometimes place fake QR code stickers over legitimate venue codes to redirect you to phishing pages.
Is a home rental listing where the landlord says a lease agreement is not necessary a scam?
Almost certainly yes. A landlord who refuses to provide a written lease is either operating illegally or, more commonly, collecting a deposit with no intention of providing a tenancy.
Is a gaming account sold on a third-party website legitimate and safe to buy?
Account sales violate the terms of service of most games and platforms, and many third-party sales are fraudulent — the original account holder often reclaims the account after payment.
Is a seller on eBay or another marketplace asking me to mark an item as received before it arrives a scammer?
Yes. This request is designed to close your buyer protection window before any problem with the item is discovered.
Is a student discount website asking for my university email address safe to use?
Major verified student discount platforms are generally safe, but lesser-known sites may collect university credentials or sell your data.
Is an online immigration consultant with a professional-looking website legitimate?
A professional website alone is not enough to verify legitimacy — immigration consultants must be registered with a recognised regulatory body in your country.
Is a tech company calling me or popping up on screen asking for payment to remove a virus from my computer a scam?
Yes. This is a classic tech-support scam — no legitimate company monitors your computer remotely and calls you unsolicited about a virus.
Is someone asking me to send a bank statement or proof of funds before I can book a property viewing a scammer?
In competitive rental markets some landlords do request proof of income, but the timing and method matter greatly — asking for full bank statements before any viewing is a major red flag.
Is a cryptocurrency wallet app in the official app store always safe to use?
Not always. Fake wallet apps do occasionally appear in official stores, and can drain your funds or steal your seed phrase.
Is it safe to buy a cryptocurrency being promoted by a social media influencer?
Extreme caution is warranted. Celebrity and influencer crypto promotions have frequently preceded sudden collapses, leaving investors with near-worthless tokens.
Is a stranger asking me to use my bank account to receive and pass on a business payment a scam?
Yes. This is money-mule recruitment, which is illegal even if you did not know the underlying source of the funds was criminal.
Is a health app offering personalised cancer screening or genetic risk analysis for a fee legitimate?
Only if it is regulated as a medical device and provided by a licensed clinical service. Many commercial health apps overstate their screening capabilities.
Is a text or letter saying I have unclaimed pension funds I can access now real?
Be very cautious. Unsolicited messages about unclaimed pensions are frequently pension liberation fraud or cold-call pension scams.
Is an online partner who keeps asking for small amounts of money over time a scammer?
Possibly yes. Repeated small requests are a deliberate tactic to build financial dependency gradually, making it harder to recognise the overall pattern.
Is a missed delivery notification I received by email always genuine?
No. Fake delivery notifications are one of the most widely distributed phishing methods used to steal card details and login credentials.
Is an offer to buy my timeshare or holiday club membership a scam?
Almost always yes. Timeshare resale fraud specifically targets people who are already struggling to exit their contracts.
Is a text or email from the government asking me to verify my identity on a new digital ID system real?
Be very cautious. Government digital ID communications are issued through official portals and pre-announced — unsolicited texts asking you to verify are almost always phishing.
Is a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe or a similar site for a stranger I saw shared on social media legitimate?
Some are genuine, but fundraising fraud on crowdfunding platforms is common, and social sharing makes fraudulent campaigns appear more trustworthy than they are.
Is a call from my bank asking me to visit a branch immediately because of fraud on my account genuine?
Treat it with caution. While genuine bank fraud alerts exist, scammers use the same approach to get you to a branch where a courier awaits to collect your card and PIN.
Is a free credit score check website safe to enter my personal details into?
Only established regulated credit reference agencies are safe. Many lookalike 'free score' sites are data-harvesting tools or funnel you into hidden subscriptions.
Is a sports betting tipster who guarantees consistent profits a scam?
Yes. No betting tipster can genuinely guarantee consistent profits — this claim is the defining hallmark of subscription fraud in the tipster industry.
Is a website asking me to submit a selfie holding my ID document as verification safe?
Only if the site is a regulated, established service. This type of verification is genuine for financial services but is also exploited by fraudsters to steal your identity.
Is a car insurance deal offered by someone I met online or through social media legitimate?
No. Private individuals cannot legally sell or arrange car insurance — this is a regulated activity. Any such offer is either a scam or a form of illegal 'ghost broking'.
Is an email from a law firm telling me I am part of a class action settlement and can claim money real?
Sometimes yes, but also a common phishing format. Verify the law firm and case independently before clicking anything or providing information.
Is a message saying my payment details have expired on a streaming service and I must update them real?
It may be real, but this is also one of the most commonly spoofed phishing messages. Always update payment details by logging in directly, never via the link.
Is a Telegram channel offering free access to premium Netflix, Spotify, or other subscription accounts legitimate?
No. Shared premium accounts are either stolen, part of a credential-harvesting scam, or will be used to infect your device.
Is a landlord asking for a holding deposit before I have signed any paperwork normal?
A small holding deposit to take a property off the market during referencing can be legitimate, but the rules on how much and when vary by country, and fraud is common.
Is an email asking me to complete a short survey for a cash reward a scam?
Many are scams. Fake survey emails harvest personal data, redirect you to subscription sign-ups, or lead to phishing pages disguised as reward claim forms.
Is a call saying my broadband router has been hacked and my internet will be cut off a scam?
Yes. Internet service providers do not call customers to report router hacks and then request remote access — this is a well-known variant of tech-support fraud.
Is a job that sends me equipment in advance and then asks me to forward it to another address a scam?
Yes. This is a reshipping mule scam, which typically involves handling stolen goods and can result in criminal liability.
Is an online seller who insists on using their own shipping company a scammer?
Frequently yes. Insisting on a specific shipping company is a classic element of online purchase fraud, particularly for high-value items.
Is a doorstep canvasser from an energy company offering me a better tariff and asking me to switch legitimate?
Some doorstep energy switching is legitimate, but the sector has a documented history of high-pressure mis-selling, forged consent, and sometimes outright fraud.
Is a WhatsApp message from a contact asking me to forward them a verification code I just received a scam?
Yes. This is account takeover fraud — your contact's account has already been hijacked and scammers are now targeting yours.
Is a company asking for my director ID or company registration number to verify a B2B transaction legitimate?
Requesting a company registration number is normal in B2B transactions, but asking for director personal details or internal login credentials is not.
Is a browser pop-up offering to fix my slow computer for free a scam?
Yes. Free computer fix pop-ups are tech-support bait — they lead to malware installs, unnecessary software purchases, or remote access fraud.
Is a new landlord or letting agent asking me to change which bank account I pay rent into a scam?
Treat this with great caution. Bank account change requests in rental relationships are a common entry point for payment diversion fraud.
Is a company promising high daily earnings for completing simple online tasks or surveys legitimate?
No. Genuine paid surveys and micro-tasks pay modest amounts — promises of high daily income are the starting point for task scams.
Is a Bitcoin or crypto investment my accountant or financial adviser recommended safe?
Not automatically. Advisers and accountants can themselves be defrauded or may recommend unregulated products that are not suitable or lawful to advise on.
Is a Facebook Marketplace seller who says PayPal is safer than cash and sends me a payment link telling the truth?
Partly misleading and potentially fraudulent. Scammers use fake PayPal payment links to steal credentials or argue that a 'Friends and Family' payment grants no buyer protection.
Is a voicemail from the IRS or HMRC threatening immediate arrest for unpaid tax real?
No. Neither the IRS, HMRC, nor any other tax authority leaves threatening arrest voicemails. This is a widely known impersonation scam.