ATM Scam

ATM scams are still prevalent with scammers going beyond being posers who offer to assist you with a transaction you may be struggling with. Cards can get stuck in machines, replica keypads can be placed to capture your pin, or hidden cameras to capture your pin to access your account remotely. It is crucial to never accept help from a stranger when at an ATM. Being aware of your surroundings and covering the keypad with your hands as you type in your pin is also vital. 

Advance fee scam

An increasingly common scam is an advance-fee scam. It's mostly done online where someone claims to provide a service or product but requires you to pay a fee upfront. Researching a company or product can quickly reveal results if it is legitimate or not and help you avoid being scammed. Check if they are active on their business website and social media channels. Before signing anything or making payments make sure to check that everything checks out.

Competition scam

We all love winning something. However, when we receive a dodgy SMS or email claiming that we have won something that we have never entered for it should be a warning sign that you are about to be scammed. This is a common online scam that many people fall victim to. Being asked to pay a 'small fee' to have access to your winnings are also another red flag that you could be a possible victim of a scam.

Inheritance scam

Scammers have become clever when scamming unsuspecting family members who have been left an inheritance from a dead relative who has not been able to trace their living relatives. They are concerned and looking to reach out, but for all the wrong reasons. The recent scam claiming that you have been left a payout from a dead relative and it needs to be claimed by you can seem legit, until you start reading what is requested of you. Being asked to share your personal details and paying a small fee to get access to the funds may seem like a small price to pay, but this is where scammers are able to do much damage. A quick search online about the said inheritance and insurer could protect you from being scammed.

Investment scam

As finances become tighter with the type of economy most of us find ourselves in, it is easy to find ways that can help generate additional income. Sometimes an investment may come our way that sounds too good to be true. If that is the case, it usually is. Any quick fix or get-rich-quick opportunities usually end up with people being scammed out of their hard-earned money. Digital fraud has increased with things such as crypto-currency experts looking for ways to 'help you get rich' and other investments that could end up costing you. Warning signs should be the pressure to invest, the agent isn't registered with the company or part of a recognised FSP, and online reviews are negative or there are none.