Fraud Prevention

Your information is consistently under attack, a wrong click or lapse in concentration can be costly.

Stay Safe: Protect Yourself from Modern Financial Fraud

Learning about these threats and knowing how to protect yourself is very important. Let’s explore how you can stay safe from modern financial fraud.

What to be aware of

Main everyday attempts

Phishing

Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies or organizations in order to trick individuals into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Red flags to look out for in phishing scams include:
  • Poor grammar or spelling errors in the email or message.
  • Urgency and threats of account closure or penalties if immediate action is not taken.
  • Suspicious or unfamiliar email addresses or URLs.
  • Requests for sensitive information or login credentials.

Smishing and vishing

Smishing involves fraudulent text messages, while vishing involves fraudulent phone calls. Both tactics aim to trick individuals into providing personal information or making payments over the phone. Be cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls or text messages asking for personal information or payment
  • Verify the legitimacy of the caller or message sender by independently contacting the organization they claim to represent.
  • Avoid clicking on links or calling back phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages.

Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or bank account details, and uses it without your permission. This can lead to unauthorized transactions and financial loss.

Social engineering tactics

Fraudsters often use social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information or transferring money. This can involve pretending to be a trusted organization or individual, creating a sense of urgency, or playing on emotions. Examples involve:
  • Impersonating a bank representative and asking for personal information over the phone.
  • Posing as a tech support agent and gaining remote access to a victim’s computer to steal sensitive data.
  • Creating fake job postings or lottery winnings to trick individuals into providing personal information or sending money.

Stay Informed

Knowledge is your best defense. Keep yourself updated on the latest fraud types and scams through our social media and on this page.

Case Studies

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The Stats

Key Statistics

Presented below are key statistics from major areas of fraud, aimed at raising awareness about the prevalence of these activities in today’s society.

Phishing Attacks:
Increased by

in the past year

0 %

Identity Theft:
Affects over

UK residents annually
0

Online Shopping Fraud:
Accounts for

of all online fraud
0 %

Investment Scams:
Resulted in

in losses in 2022
0 M

Additional steps to safeguard personal and financial information:

Verify Sources

Always check the authenticity of any unsolicited offers or requests for information. Look for secure website addresses (https://) and contact the company directly using official contact details to confirm any claims. Do not click on any link or use phone number provided when unsure.

Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Early detection of unauthorized transactions can help prevent significant financial damage. Set up alerts for your bank accounts to receive notifications of any unusual activity.

Use Security Tools

Use anti-virus software, firewalls, and encryption to protect your devices from malware and hacking attempts. Make sure your software is up to date to protect against the latest security threats.

Report it

There are specialist task forces employed to help stop this sort of illegal activity

Useful Information

Together , let’s build a future where your financial well being is secure and fraud-free

Action Fraud

This is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The FCA is a financial regulatory body in the UK, but operates independently of the UK government, and is financed by charging fees to members of the financial services industry. They provide information on how to report scams and unauthorised firms.
https://www.fca.org.uk/

National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB)

The NFIB is a police unit in the UK responsible for gathering and analysing intelligence relating to fraud and financially motivated cyber crime. They work alongside Action Fraud.
https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice give free advice on a range of issues
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

They provide advice and support for the public and private sector in how to avoid computer security threats. You can report phishing emails to them.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

FAQ's

Below, you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get the information you need quickly and easily.

What are the common types of financial fraud that individuals in the UK should be aware of?

Common types of financial fraud in the UK include phishing scams, identity theft, investment scams, romance scams, banking fraud, and doorstep scams. It’s important to stay informed about these types of fraud to better protect yourself.

How can I protect myself from falling victim to financial fraud?

To protect yourself from financial fraud, be cautious with your personal and financial information. Avoid sharing sensitive details online or over the phone unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. Regularly monitor your financial statements for any unauthorized transactions. Install and update security software on your devices, and be wary of suspicious emails, links, or attachments.

What are some warning signs or red flags that may indicate potential financial fraud?

Warning signs of financial fraud include unsolicited requests for personal information or payment, promises of unrealistic returns or guaranteed winnings, high-pressure sales tactics, and requests for payment via unconventional methods. Trust your instincts and be skeptical if something seems too good to be true.

What steps should I take if I believe I have been a victim of financial fraud?

If you suspect you have been a victim of financial fraud, immediately contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and freeze any affected accounts. Report the fraud to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime. Keep records of all communication and documentation related to the fraud for future reference.

Are there any government initiatives or resources available to help prevent financial fraud in the UK?

Yes, the UK government provides resources to help prevent and combat financial fraud. Action Fraud offers guidance and reporting options for victims. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provides information on regulated companies and alerts about known scams. Additionally, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign offers advice on protecting yourself from fraud.

We keep you informed about the latest scams and fraud trends. You can also regularly visit the websites of organizations like Action Fraud, the FCA, and Citizens Advice. Sign up for their newsletters or alerts to receive updates on new fraud techniques. Stay vigilant and educate yourself by reading news articles, following relevant social media accounts, and sharing information with friends and family.

Download Our App

Stay on top of your finances with the Ferts app, available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download today for timely financial reminders and smarter money management

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Taxation

Income tax is a percentage of your earnings that you pay to the government, while VAT is a tax added to the price of goods and services you buy. Income Tax is worked differently for the self employed which can be an incentive to work for yourself if you can keep more of the money you earn.

Pensions

This is in addition to the state pension which starts at retirement age. Due to compounding interest, the younger you start paying into a pension the quicker it will grow.

People commonly have different pension pots due to working through different employers with different

Insurance

Insurance protects you from potential risks and losses by transferring the financial responsibility to an insurance company in exchange for regular premium payments.

Credit Score

It is based on various factors, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent credit activity. Lenders use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money and determine interest rates or credit limits for individuals. Managing your finances well not only gives you the best chance of being offered the loans and credit when you need it but also result in you paying less money back when you borrow.

pensions & financial planning

This is in addition to the state pension which starts at retirement age. Due to compounding interest, the younger you start paying into a pension the quicker it will grow.

People commonly have different pension pots due to working through different employers with different