Are you able to distinguish a scam from a genuine offer? Take this quiz and see if you can spot which adverts or emails are real and which ones aren’t.
Fresh research has discovered that adults under 27 are likely to be caught out by online shopping scams, while one in five Millennials have been tricked by phishing scams that have come through on email or text.
Gareth Pindred, Head of Fraud at Virgin Money highlighted: “There’s never been a higher number of different types of scams circulating in the modern world than now, and scams are ever evolving as fraudsters try to capitalise on current events.”
Despite efforts like avoiding dubious links, keeping tabs on bank statements and creating robust, unique passwords, people can still occasionally fall for a scam.
Gareth emphasises that scams are constantly evolving making it tricky for people to identify them; even those who consider themselves informed about existing scams can end up being misled.
“People can get complacent with things like shopping online because they think they’re savvy enough to spot a scam, but that’s not always the case,” he notes.
Can you spot the scams in this quiz?
A significant 40% have received contact from individuals posing as bank or government officials and have seen an increase in scam attempts over the past year, with a further surge in the run-up to Christmas.
Three-quarters report that nearly all scams they encounter are now online, but 14% are growing concerned about being approached by people impersonating their friends and family asking for money.
Money influencer Chloe Carmichael, 32, from Glasgow fell victim to a scam during a trip to Rome earlier this year.
Although Chloe had done her research into common scams in the city, she was swindled out of 50 euros after purchasing a watercolour painting that the seller claimed to have painted himself.
It later transpired that the artworks were merely prints that had been superficially painted over with a cheap watercolour set to give the illusion of being freshly painted.
Reflecting on her experience, Chloe stated: “This shows just how easy it is to fall victim to scams no matter how financially or digitally savvy you are.
“I’m a money influencer so I’m very conscious of how I spend my money and very aware of scams, but this person seemed honest and unfortunately their deception worked on this occasion.
“I was apprehensive to post a video on my social media about the scam, but several people shared that it happened to them too.
“Others mentioned they’re grateful for the video and that they were aware of this scam before their next holiday, so I’m glad I shared my experience to help others avoid it happening to them.”
Expert advice to avoid getting caught out:
1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN, full banking password or one-time passcode to anyone, even bank staff. A genuine bank or organisation will never ask you for these on the phone.
2. Don’t assume an email, text or phone call is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Remember, criminals can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset so even if you recognise it or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification they are genuine.
3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine organisation won’t mind waiting. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. Always remember: Stop. Think. Check
4. Listen to your instincts – you know if something doesn’t feel right. Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you’re in the comfort of your own home.
5. Stay in control – don’t panic and make a decision you’ll regret. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.