Financial scams
This page helps you understand different scam tactics. Identifying them is vital to protecting your capital.
Common types of scams
Fraud attempts follow recurring patterns. Here are a few methods you should know about.
Savings or investment schemes promising high or even “guaranteed” returns, often presented as exclusive opportunities.
Individuals posing as a bank, institution or employee to gain your trust and obtain your details.
A sense of urgency (suspicious activity, imminent freeze) to push you into acting without thinking.
Requests to install software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer), used to obtain full access to your device.
Telephone, email, SMS, social media or fake websites: scammers adapt their methods to appear credible.
Scenarios designed to appear legitimate (logo, tone, signature, fake websites), which aim to imitate official communications and lower your guard.
Clues to watch for
Certain items should immediately raise a red flag*. If you have any doubts, do not take any risks.
*This list of examples is not exhaustive.
Instructions that do not align with your bank’s usual practices.
Discrepancy between claimed identity and actual information (email address, URL, number).
Link or page that looks like an official website but has a different address.
Unexpected attachment or link in an unsolicited message.
Request received via an unusual channel.
Best practices
To learn more and find out what specific actions to take in the event of a scam attempt, check our page on phishing.
Other questions?
If you have not found what you are looking for or if you have any further questions, please check the other sections of the Help Center.