Common scams
Find advice on avoiding common scams, including doorstep, cyber, post and emails and who to talk to for support. Interested in getting the latest alerts? Sign up to our scam alerts.
Scam it's a crime
Scammers are criminals who trick millions of people into parting with billions of pounds every year.
These criminals are devious and will try to scam you into handing over money or personal details, like bank account information. They may even claim to be someone official like a Police Officer, a Trading Standards Officer or from HM Revenue and Customs.
Types of scams
Find out about the different types of scams:
- cyber crime
- doorstep criminals
- email scams
- financial abuse
- online shopping and finance scams
- online dating or relationships
- postal scams
- telephone scams
- holiday scams.
Stop the criminals by:
- recognising, advising and getting support for a scam victim (PDF, 1.2 MB). Anybody can be scammed, but the elderly and vulnerable are more at risk. Look out for neighbours, friends and relatives. If you think you or they are a victim of a scam, report your concerns online.
- signing up to become a Friend Against Scams - complete a free 20 minutes online learning course. Friends Against Scams is a national initiative that aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to take a stand against scams.