From vishing to fake invoices: 5 most common scams and how to stay safe

Rights, Scams and Politics

Updated on 06 September 2016 | 1 Comment

The five most dangerous scams around have been revealed - and many of us are falling victim to them.

We lost £755 million to financial fraudsters last year, according to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

The Ombudsman reckons that over three-quarters of all scammers are operating through cold calls or online. 

Around 57% of cases were phone calls and the rest were either through email or other online contact.

Which scams are the most risky?

Here are the five most dangerous scams to watch out for, according to FOS:

Upfront payment fees

When scammers ask you to pay fees to release compensation payouts or loans with traders disappearing after payments are made.

Fake services or invoices

Including charges to remove fake computer viruses and fake advertising invoices being sent to small businesses.

Goods not being received

From purchases made through social media or auction websites.

Vishing

Fraudulent phone calls where the scammers attempt to get personal details such as credit card numbers to renew a subscription or for information about personal debt.

Subscription traps

Victims are tricked into signing up to subscription services for a free or discounted trial. The scammer will take a whole load of large payments, often changing their company name to mislead you.

How can I tell it’s a fraudster?

Scammers generally use the same set of tactics, making you think that something’s gone wrong and that the fraudster has the power to put it right.

What's more, they can trace your personal information through social media or spyware. Read Facebook: how to keep safe and the things you should never do. 

However, there are a few classic signs that you're being targeted by a scammer. Keep an eye out for dodgy spelling and grammar, pressure for you to act quickly and promises of payouts or impossibly high returns on investments. 

Check your credit report for any unusual trends too. Get 30 days' free access with loveMONEY today.

Other sneaky scams:

Facebook scam that could cost you a fortune

Apple scam to watch out for

How Rip Off Britain's Gloria Hunniford got scammed out of £120,000

How to spot an investment scam

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