How to protect yourself from scammers

Fraud doesn’t start when money is taken - it begins through a message or advert designed to gain your trust. So how can you avoid falling victim to a scammer?

According to UK Finance, criminals stole £1.28bn through payment fraud in 2025.

That’s 4% higher than it was a year earlier.

So it’s really important that you understand their methods and can spot the warning signs.

How do scammers trick victims?

Scammers use all sorts of methods to ensnare potential victims, such as:

• posting fake adverts online
• messaging people promising great investment opportunities
• sending a fake delivery notice
• impersonating a well-known brand or organisation

They’ll then either make promises and offers that seem tempting, or use pressure tactics so you feel you have to pay money quickly.

Two-thirds (66%) of scams that trick people into sending money start online, usually on social media and online ads.

But a further fifth (17%) start on phone calls, texts and messaging services.

So you really need to be vigilant if you don’t want to be caught out.

The most common scams to watch out for

Fraudsters use many sophisticated techniques to trick people into paying money, but some are particularly widespread.

Purchase scams

Often seen on online marketplaces and classified ads, these scams trick people into paying for goods that never arrive. 

They make up nearly three-quarters (71%) of scam cases, and losses have risen by 20% in the last year to £118.1m.

Investment scams

People are shown fake opportunities promising high returns, often through social media ads or influencers.

Losses reached £221.5 million in 2025 - an increase of 40%.

Romance scams

Romance scammers try to build a sense of trust and emotional connection - and once they’ve managed that, they’ll start discussing money.

Losses from this type of fraud rose by 23% to £39.2m last year, while case numbers went up by more than a fifth (22%).

Impersonation scams

Scammers may approach pretending to be an organisation you know and trust, like your bank, and be hard to distinguish from the real deal.

They’ll then pressure you into moving money to a “safe account”.

Thankfully, progress on tackling this crime is being made, with the number of reported impersonation scams falling last year by 11%.

How to stay safe from scammers

Scammers are very good at appearing to be brands that we know and trust.

But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Be suspicious of social media ads

Scammers often use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to target people with tempting ads or posts that lead to fake websites.

Double-check the web address

Fake websites often have small clues that they aren’t genuine, such as unusual domains and small spelling errors.

Inspect text and images on websites

Look out for giveaway signs that a website isn’t what it seems, such as:

• poor spelling, punctuation and grammar
• low-quality images
• awkward layouts

Avoid bank transfers

Use secure payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, or trusted digital wallets, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.

Don’t click on links in messages 

Links from fraudsters may contain malware or take you to fake websites, so only pay through a retailer’s official website.

Don’t act impulsively

Scammers want you to make a quick decision, so don’t let yourself being rushed into handing over any money.

Finally, don’t forget the adage that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Be suspicious of unexpected contact

If someone messages, calls, or emails you out of the blue asking for money, personal details, or urgent action - pause and verify independently.

Don’t use contact details they provide. 

Instead, go directly to the official website or app.

How to report a scam

If you spot a scam or believe you’ve been defrauded, report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you get a scam email, forward them to [email protected], and if you received a dodgy text, forward it to 7726.

What else can I do if I’ve been scammed?

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam:

• contact your bank or card provider immediately and explain what has happened
• change any passwords that may have been compromised
• monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
• run a security scan on your device and ensure your software is up to date

The sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting any financial loss and protecting your personal information.

Check out our guide on how to outsmart online scammers for more tips to help you stay safe.