What makes something a scam
A scam is a crime
Scams happen when criminals deceive people to steal their money or personal information.
Scams constantly change as scammers take advantage of new technology, new products and services, and local events or crises.
Scammers are getting smarter, and anyone can be a victim of a scam.
It can be hard to tell if something is a scam
People sometimes say they’ve been ‘scammed’ when they’re disappointed with a product or service they’ve received from a real business. But a situation like this is probably not a scam.
If someone has a problem with something bought from a real business, they can ask the business to resolve the problem.
With a scam, there's no point doing this, because the whole purpose is to deceive the consumer or business.
Types of scams
The most well-known scams that you may come across include:
- Dating and romance: The scammer creates a fake profile to lure you into a relationship, then asks you for money or to invest in something.
- Investment scams: The scammer gets money from you for a fake investment opportunity.
- Buying or selling: The scammer creates fake online stores or classified ads to sell you a product that doesn’t exist. Scammers may also send fake invoices for services or products that you did not order.
- Attempt to gain your personal information: The scammer convinces you to give your banking or personal details, then uses these details to steal your money or commit fraud by taking out loans in your name. These scams include hacking, phishing and remote access scams and identity theft.
- Threats and extortion: The scammer claims you have an unpaid bill, fine or debt, and uses threats to make you pay them. The scammer may pretend to be from the police or a well-known fraud department and deceives you into giving your personal or banking information or access to your computer or device.
- Job and employment: The scammer promises you a high-paying job that doesn’t exist or a money-making opportunity in the form of a Ponzi or pyramid scheme.
- Unexpected money: The scammer tells you that you’re entitled to money or valuable assets, but must make upfront payments to get them.
- Travel, prizes and lottery scams: The scammer convinces you into giving them money or personal details to get a prize from a lottery, sweepstake or competition.
- Fake charities: The scammer convinces you to pay money to a fake charity.
