Fraud, Scams & Financial Crime

Protecting Yourself, Your Family and Your Finances Fraud and scams can affect anyone regardless of age, background, income, education, disability or life circumstances. Criminals continually develop new methods to deceive individuals, businesses and organisations for financial gain. This page provides information about common scams, fraud prevention, reporting financial crime, protecting vulnerable people, and understanding your rights under UK law. The information is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice.

Understanding Fraud & Financial Crime

What is Fraud?

Fraud occurs when someone deliberately deceives another person or organisation for financial gain or personal benefit.

Fraud can happen:

• Online.
• By telephone.
• Through email.
• By text message.
• On social media.
• In person.
• Through businesses or investments.

Fraud Act 2006

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/contents

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Awareness

Common Warning Signs

Scammers often:

• Create urgency.
• Demand immediate payment.
• Request personal information.
• Pretend to be trusted organisations.
• Offer deals that seem too good to be true.
• Pressure individuals into quick decisions.
• Threaten consequences if action is not taken.

Protect Yourself

• Stop and think before responding.
• Verify who you are dealing with.
• Never share passwords.
• Be cautious with links and attachments.
• Seek independent advice.

Take Five Campaign

https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

Online Scams

Internet-Based Fraud

Online scams may involve:

• Fake websites.
• Phishing emails.
• Fake online shops.
• Social media scams.
• Marketplace fraud.
• Fake customer support.
• Subscription scams.

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Get Safe Online

https://www.getsafeonline.org

Banking Fraud

Protecting Bank Accounts

Banking fraud may involve:

• Fake bank communications.
• Card fraud.
• Account takeover.
• Unauthorised transactions.
• Remote access scams.

Remember

Banks will never ask for:

• Full passwords.
• Security codes.
• PIN numbers.
• Full online banking credentials.

UK Finance Fraud Information

https://www.ukfinance.org.uk

Financial Conduct Authority

https://www.fca.org.uk

Identity Fraud

Identity Theft

Identity fraud happens when personal information is used without permission.

This may include:

• Opening accounts.
• Obtaining loans.
• Accessing services.
• Making purchases.
• Committing further fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

• Secure personal documents.
• Monitor bank accounts.
• Check credit reports.
• Use strong passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication.

CIFAS

https://www.cifas.org.uk

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Romance Scams

Relationship and Dating Scams

Romance scams occur when fraudsters create fake relationships to obtain money, gifts or personal information.

Warning signs may include:

• Requests for money.
• Refusal to meet.
• Rapid declarations of affection.
• Stories involving emergencies.
• Requests for financial assistance.

Action Fraud Romance Scam Advice

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Pension Scams

Protecting Retirement Savings

Pension scammers may:

• Offer free pension reviews.
• Promise guaranteed returns.
• Pressure individuals into transferring pensions.
• Offer early pension access.

Pension Wise

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-wise

Financial Conduct Authority ScamSmart

https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

Investment Fraud

Investment Scams

Investment fraud often promises:

• High returns.
• Low risk.
• Exclusive opportunities.
• Time-limited offers.

Examples include:

• Property schemes.
• Foreign exchange scams.
• Carbon credit scams.
• Bond scams.
• Fake shares.

FCA Warning List

https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/warning-list

Financial Conduct Authority

https://www.fca.org.uk

Cryptocurrency Scams

Crypto Fraud

Cryptocurrency scams may involve:

• Fake exchanges.
• Fake investment opportunities.
• Impersonation scams.
• Fake celebrity endorsements.
• Ponzi schemes.
• Fraudulent wallets.

Cryptocurrency investments are high-risk and may not be protected in the same way as traditional financial products.

FCA Cryptocurrency Information

https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/cryptoassets

ScamSmart

https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

Benefit Fraud

Understanding Benefit Fraud

Benefit fraud occurs when someone knowingly provides false information or fails to report changes in circumstances to obtain benefits they are not entitled to receive.

Examples may include:

• False declarations.
• Undeclared income.
• False household information.
• Identity fraud.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/report-benefit-fraud

Department for Work and Pensions

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

Doorstep Scams

Unexpected Callers

Doorstep scams may involve:

• Rogue traders.
• Fake charity collections.
• Bogus repairs.
• Pressure selling.
• Fake utility workers.

Stay Safe

• Verify identity.
• Do not feel pressured.
• Obtain independent quotes.
• Ask trusted individuals for advice.
• Contact organisations directly.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Telephone:

0808 223 1133

Consumer Fraud

Consumer Rights

Consumer fraud may involve:

• Counterfeit goods.
• Misleading advertising.
• Fake products.
• Undelivered goods.
• Unfair trading practices.

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Trading Standards

https://www.tradingstandards.uk

Competition and Markets Authority

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority

Financial Exploitation

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when someone improperly uses another person's money, assets or property.

Examples include:

• Theft.
• Fraud.
• Coercion.
• Misuse of bank accounts.
• Misuse of Power of Attorney.
• Financial control.
• Undue influence.

Victims may include:

• Older adults.
• Disabled individuals.
• People with care needs.
• People experiencing coercive control.

Office of the Public Guardian

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian

Report Concerns

https://www.gov.uk/report-concern-about-attorney-deputy

Additional Fraud, Scam & Financial Crime Risks

AI & Deepfake Scams

Understanding AI Fraud

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly being used by criminals to create convincing scams.

Examples include:

• Fake videos.
• Fake audio recordings.
• Fake phone calls.
• Fake celebrity endorsements.
• Fake customer service agents.
• Deepfake impersonation scams.

Criminals may use AI to impersonate:

• Family members.
• Friends.
• Employers.
• Banks.
• Government agencies.
• Public figures.

Staying Safe

• Verify unexpected requests independently.
• Be cautious of urgent demands for money.
• Contact organisations directly using official contact details.

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Fake Job Scams

Employment Fraud

Fraudsters may advertise fake jobs to obtain:

• Money.
• Personal information.
• Identity documents.
• Bank details.

Warning signs include:

• Requests for upfront payments.
• Unrealistic salaries.
• Immediate job offers without interviews.
• Requests for passport or banking details early in the process.

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Rental & Housing Scams

Housing Fraud

Rental scams often involve:

• Fake landlords.
• Non-existent properties.
• Upfront deposits.
• Fake tenancy agreements.

Always:

• View properties where possible.
• Verify ownership.
• Avoid cash payments.
• Use secure payment methods.

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Ticket Scams

Event and Concert Fraud

Fraudsters may sell fake tickets for:

• Concerts.
• Festivals.
• Sporting events.
• Theatre productions.

Use reputable ticket sellers and verify resale platforms.

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Charity Scams

Fake Charity Appeals

Criminals sometimes exploit public generosity following:

• Natural disasters.
• Emergencies.
• Public tragedies.
• Humanitarian crises.

Always verify charities before donating.

Charity Commission

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission

Charity Register

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk

Holiday & Travel Scams

Travel Fraud

Examples include:

• Fake holiday bookings.
• Non-existent accommodation.
• Fake travel companies.
• Fraudulent airline tickets.

Always verify travel providers and use secure payment methods.

ABTA

https://www.abta.com

ATOL

https://www.atol.org

Courier & Delivery Scams

Delivery Fraud

Scammers may send:

• Fake parcel notifications.
• Delivery fee requests.
• Tracking links designed to steal information.

Do not click unexpected links.

Verify deliveries directly through official courier websites.

HMRC Scams

Tax Fraud and Impersonation

Fraudsters may impersonate HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Common scams include:

• Tax refund scams.
• Threats of arrest.
• Requests for payment.
• Fake emails and text messages.

HMRC Scam Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails

DWP Benefit Scams

Benefits-Related Fraud

Criminals may impersonate:

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
• Universal Credit.
• Jobcentre Plus.

Never provide personal details through unexpected messages.

DWP Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

NHS Scams

Healthcare Fraud

Scammers may claim to represent:

• NHS services.
• GP surgeries.
• Vaccination services.
• Prescription services.

The NHS will not unexpectedly request payment or banking details through unsolicited messages.

NHS Information

https://www.nhs.uk

Energy & Utility Scams

Utility Provider Fraud

Scammers may pretend to represent:

• Energy suppliers.
• Water companies.
• Broadband providers.

Warning signs include:

• Pressure tactics.
• Threats to disconnect services.
• Requests for immediate payment.

Ofgem

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk

QR Code Scams

Quishing

Criminals may use fraudulent QR codes to:

• Direct users to fake websites.
• Steal personal information.
• Collect payments.

Always verify QR codes before scanning.

NCSC Guidance

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Phone & Text Message Scams

Smishing and Vishing

Smishing

Fraudulent text messages designed to obtain information or payments.

Vishing

Fraudulent telephone calls designed to obtain information or money.

Never share:

• Passwords.
• Security codes.
• PIN numbers.
• Banking credentials.

Take Five

https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

Business Fraud & Invoice Scams

Business Crime

Businesses may experience:

• Invoice fraud.
• CEO impersonation fraud.
• Supplier fraud.
• Payment diversion scams.
• Cyber attacks.

Employers should implement:

• Verification procedures.
• Cyber security measures.
• Staff awareness training.

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Money Mule Recruitment

What is a Money Mule?

Criminals recruit people to move illegally obtained money through bank accounts.

Victims are often:

• Young people.
• Students.
• Job seekers.
• Financially vulnerable individuals.

Warning signs include:

• Easy money offers.
• Requests to use your bank account.
• Remote financial transactions for strangers.

Don't Be Fooled

https://www.moneymules.co.uk

Modern Slavery & Financial Exploitation

Criminal Exploitation

Modern slavery may involve:

• Forced labour.
• Debt bondage.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Financial control.
• Human trafficking.

Victims may be forced to:

• Open bank accounts.
• Claim benefits.
• Transfer money.
• Commit crimes.

Modern Slavery Helpline

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Scam Recovery & Victim Support

If You Have Been Scammed

You should consider:

• Contacting your bank immediately.
• Reporting the matter to Action Fraud.
• Changing passwords.
• Monitoring accounts.
• Seeking emotional support.

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 168 9111

Fraud Prevention for Older People

Older adults may be targeted through:

• Doorstep scams.
• Telephone fraud.
• Investment scams.
• Romance scams.

Family members and professionals should promote:

• Scam awareness.
• Financial safeguarding.
• Trusted support networks.

Age UK

https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Hourglass

https://wearehourglass.org

Fraud Prevention for Young People

Young people may be targeted through:

• Social media scams.
• Fake jobs.
• Cryptocurrency schemes.
• Money mule recruitment.
• Gaming scams.

Education and awareness can help reduce risks.

Childnet

https://www.childnet.com

Internet Matters

https://www.internetmatters.org

Fraud Prevention for Businesses

Businesses should:

• Train staff regularly.
• Verify payments.
• Use cyber security measures.
• Protect customer data.
• Report fraud promptly.

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Financial Abuse in Domestic Abuse Cases

Economic Abuse

Financial abuse can occur within domestic and family relationships.

Examples include:

• Controlling access to money.
• Preventing employment.
• Taking wages or benefits.
• Creating debt.
• Restricting financial independence.

Economic abuse is recognised within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Surviving Economic Abuse

https://survivingeconomicabuse.org

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 2000 247

Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Scams

Why Vulnerable Adults May Be Targeted

Criminals may target people who:

• Are socially isolated.
• Have cognitive impairments.
• Have mental health difficulties.
• Have learning disabilities.
• Are experiencing loneliness.
• Are unfamiliar with technology.

Signs Someone May Be Being Scammed

• Unusual bank activity.
• Secretive behaviour.
• Large cash withdrawals.
• Multiple unsolicited calls.
• Unpaid bills despite available income.
• Sudden changes in finances.

Safeguarding Concerns

Financial exploitation may require:

• Adult safeguarding referrals.
• Police involvement.
• Banking intervention.
• Advocacy support.

Find Local Council

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Reporting Fraud

Action Fraud

Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Website:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Telephone:

0300 123 2040

Police

Emergency: 999

Non-Emergency: 101

Website:

https://www.police.uk

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Human Rights, Equality and Legal Protections

Everyone has the right to:

• Protection from fraud.
• Protection from exploitation.
• Protection from financial abuse.
• Equal treatment under the law.
• Privacy and data protection.
• Access to justice.
• Fair investigations.
• Due process.

Relevant legislation may include:

• Fraud Act 2006.
• Theft Act 1968.
• Computer Misuse Act 1990.
• Data Protection Act 2018.
• UK GDPR.
• Care Act 2014.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Serious Crime Act 2015.

Public authorities should act lawfully, fairly, proportionately and respect individual rights while protecting individuals and communities from crime.

Useful Support Organisations

Fraud Reporting

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Cyber Security

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Get Safe Online

https://www.getsafeonline.org

Consumer Advice

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Trading Standards

https://www.tradingstandards.uk

Financial Guidance

MoneyHelper

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Financial Conduct Authority

https://www.fca.org.uk

ScamSmart

https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

Identity Protection

CIFAS

https://www.cifas.org.uk

Important Notice

This website provides general information only and does not provide legal advice, financial advice, fraud investigations or emergency services.

If you believe a crime is occurring or someone is at immediate risk, call 999.

If you have concerns about fraud, scams or financial exploitation, report them to the appropriate authorities and seek independent professional advice where necessary.

Information should always be verified through official government, statutory and professional sources as laws, regulations and guidance may change.