Seven signs of a financial scam

Financial scams keep changing form, but the warning signs stay the same.

1. 1Guaranteed high returns with 'no risk'.
2. 2Pressure to act now — 'the offer ends today'.
3. 3Requests for your codes or passwords, including one-time codes sent by your bank. No genuine bank or government entity asks for them.
4. 4Messages that look official with links to log in, pay a fine or update your data.
5. 5Unlicensed platforms for trading, investment or currency, often promoted on social media.
6. 6Recruitment-style schemes where returns depend on bringing in new people.
7. 7Romance or friendship that turns into requests for money.

Protect yourself

• Never share one-time codes, card details or passwords.
• Open government and bank websites by typing the address yourself, not from a link.
• Check whether an investment entity is licensed before transferring anything.
• Talk to someone you trust before any large or unusual transfer.

If it happens

Contact your bank immediately to try to stop the transfer, and report it to the competent authorities.