Common investment scams may involve lucrative investment opportunities such as shares, bonds, cryptocurrencies, rare metals, overseas investments, or alternative energy.
What are the warning signs?
- You repeatedly receive unsolicited calls.
- You are promised quick profits and assured that the investment is safe.
- The offer is only valid for a limited time.
- The offer is only available to you, and you are asked not to share it.
What Can You Do?
- Always seek impartial financial advice before handing over money or making an investment.
- Reject unsolicited calls related to investment opportunities.
- Be wary of offers that promise a safe investment, guaranteed returns, and large profits.
- Beware of future scams. If you have already fallen victim to a scam, scammers are likely to try again or sell your details to other criminals.
- Contact the police if you have any suspicions.
…or you are presented with a great offer online!
Consumers and businesses are increasingly buying and selling online. You can find good deals online… but beware of scams.
What Can You Do?
- Use national retailers’ websites whenever possible: you are more likely to be able to resolve any issues.
- Do your research: check before you buy.
- Pay by card: you have a better chance of getting your money back.
- Pay via secure payment platforms. Are you being asked for a bank transfer or money order? Do not trust it!
- Only pay using a secure internet connection—avoid using free or open public Wi-Fi.
- Only pay on a secure device. Keep your operating system and security applications up to date.
- Be cautious of adverts offering unbelievable deals or miracle products. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam!
- Does a pop-up advert tell you that you have won a prize? Think twice—you could end up with a virus.
- If the product does not arrive, contact the seller. If there is no response, contact your bank.
- Always report any suspected scam attempt to the police, even if you managed to avoid it.
Download the infographics with tips to avoid becoming a victim of these cyber scams:
Investment scam
Online shopping scams
