What is fraud?

Banking fraud includes a range of scams where criminals want to access your bank accounts or stealing your money. Common methods include phishing emails, fake calls from ‘bank staff,’ card cloning, or unauthorized transfers.

You should:

• never share your online banking password, PIN, or security codes
• beware of emails or texts asking for personal or banking details — banks don’t ask for this via email or text
• monitor your bank statements regularly and report unusual activity immediately
• use two-factor authentication where possible for added security

Find more information in our resources to help - banking fraud section.

Courier fraud involves criminals pretending to be bank staff, police officers, or government officials. They contact victims claiming there is a problem with their bank account or that they are under investigation. They instruct victims to withdraw money, hand over their bank cards and give personal details to a courier who will collect them.

Be aware that banks and the police will never ask you to send money or hand over bank cards to a courier or anyone at your home.

You should:

• be suspicious if the caller pressures you to act immediately or keep the call a secret
• always hang up and call your bank directly using a known number if in doubt
• never share your PIN or passwords over the phone

Find more information in our resources to help - courier and impersonator fraud section.

Romance fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites or apps to build emotional relationships and gain trust. Unlike other fraud types the criminals do not request anything straight away but they eventually ask for money by claiming emergencies, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.

You should:

• be wary of people who quickly express strong feelings or ask to move off the dating platform
• watch out for inconsistent stories or excuses for not meeting in person
• never send money or personal financial information to someone you haven’t met face-to-face
• use reputable dating sites and report suspicious behaviour

Find more information in our resources to help - romance and relationship fraud podcast series section.

Rogue traders are criminals who call at the victims’ home address offering home repairs, maintenance, or goods and services. Rogue traders may offer to fix things cheaply but often do poor work, overcharge, or disappear after receiving payment without completing the job. 

You should:

• not accept offers to work from strangers who come to your door without being asked
• ask for identification and check it with the company they claim to work for
• get quotes in writing and check for reviews or references - find a Trading Standards approved trader through the Buy With Confidence Scheme
• avoid paying cash upfront - never feel pressured to pay on the spot
• be cautious if they claim to offer a special deal or urgent repair

Find more information about doorstep callers, how to report them and how to get a 'no cold-calling pack' on our Trading Standards pages.

Also see our resources to help - doorstep crime and rogue traders section.

Financial abuse happens when someone uses another person’s money or assets without permission, often within families or caregiving situations. It can include stealing money, coercing the victim to sign documents, or controlling how money is spent.

You should:

• look for sudden or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
• notice if the victim appears isolated from handling their own finances or if someone else controls their money entirely
• watch for signs of stress or confusion around money matters
• encourage open conversations about finances and seek professional advice if you suspect abuse

Find more information in our resources to help - financial abuse section.

This involves false or misleading investment schemes designed to trick people into handing over their money. Fraudsters promise unusually high or guaranteed returns, sometimes through fake companies. 

You should:

• be sceptical of unsolicited investment offers, especially by phone, email, or social media
• avoid high-pressure tactics urging you to invest quickly
• verify the legitimacy of the investment and the company through official regulators like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• check for realistic risks and understand the product before investing

Find more information in our resources to help - investment fraud section.

‘Sextortion' is the short name for 'financially motivated sexual extortion’. Criminals contact victims online, often via social media or sharing platforms. They ask victims to send explicit videos or pictures. Criminals then threaten to post them online or send copies to friends or family unless they are paid money.

You should:

• be very careful about sharing private images or videos, especially with people you don’t fully trust
• not respond to threats or demands for money
• keep evidence of any threatening messages and report to the police or Action Fraud
• use strong privacy settings on social media
• avoid clicking unknown links or attachments

Find more information in our resources to help - sextortion section.