Stories

Sun, 21 Jun 2026

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 Fake romance to missed deliveries: How to protect yourself from three common scams

Romance and investment fraud is at record levels but what can you do to prevent being caught out.
1. "Hi Mum, I've got a new phone" or messages about missed deliveries: Fraudsters send mass messages asking for bank details or urgent requests to send money. To avoid:
* Type out the website link instead of tapping on it.
* Be cautious with links in messages claiming to be from official companies like Royal Mail. 2. Romance scams: Scammers build a relationship online, then ask for money, often using fake pictures and stories. To avoid:
* Use reverse image search to verify someone's picture.
* Never send money to someone you haven't met.
* Be open with family and friends about your relationships. 3. Investment scams: Scammers promise rapid returns with a sense of urgency. To avoid:
* Check if the investment opportunity is genuine by verifying the company's authorization on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website.
* Use contact details from the FCA website instead of links from social media.
* Take your time making any decisions and don't be pressured into acting quickly.