The three tactics scammers use most
Scammers follow patterns. They create urgency, ask for personal information, and offer things that sound too good to be true. Learn these tactics and you'll spot many scams before they succeed.
They are pushing you to decide right now
Real organisations give you time. Scammers create panic to stop you thinking clearly.
They want your personal details
Banks and legitimate companies never ask for passwords, PINs or full card details by email, phone or text.
The offer sounds too good to be true
Unexpected prizes, refunds or opportunities that require upfront payment are almost always fraudulent.
Something does not feel right
A legitimate organisation will never ask you to pay upfront for something you have not ordered, or request payment through unusual channels like gift cards or wire transfers. If the request feels strange, it almost certainly is.
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When someone contacts you out of the blue
Messages from people you do not know, or sudden contact from organisations you use, deserve a moment of caution before you respond or click anything.
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Always verify through official channels
If a bank calls you, hang up and ring the number on your card. If an email claims to be from a company you know, visit their website directly rather than clicking any links in the message.
Stop and think
Don't respond immediately. Take a breath and step away from the message or call for a few minutes.
Check the details
Look for spelling errors, unusual requests or anything that feels off. Trust your instinct if something doesn't seem right.
Ask someone you trust
Ring a family member, friend or your bank directly. A second opinion often makes things clearer and stops scams in their tracks.
Common questions
Questions about recognising and responding to scams.
Scammers are skilled at mimicking legitimate organisations and creating a sense of urgency. They use information they've gathered about you to build trust, then ask for money or personal details. The best defence is knowing what to look for.
Pressure to act fast is a classic warning sign. Real organisations give you time to think. If someone is pushing you to decide immediately, take a step back and ask someone you trust.
Your bank will never ask for your PIN, password or full card details by email, phone or text. If someone asks for these, it's a scam. Legitimate organisations only ask for information they genuinely need.
Uncertainty is your instinct working. Stop, don't respond, and ask someone you trust. Call your bank directly using the number on your card. There's no shame in checking before you act.
Caller ID can be spoofed to show a number that looks legitimate. If you are unsure, hang up and ring the organisation back using a number you know is genuine. This simple step stops most scams.
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