Common warning signs
- Pressure to act immediately or keep the opportunity secret.
- Requests to move money to a new account, wallet or unfamiliar platform.
- Unverified claims of government, regulator or celebrity endorsement.
- Fees requested before access to funds or withdrawals.
- Communication that avoids written terms or uses cloned branding.
Before paying
Stop, check the firm independently, use official websites rather than links in messages, and speak with someone you trust. Search for warnings, complaints and the firm's registered details.
If something has gone wrong
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately, preserve evidence, change passwords where relevant and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.