Offline fraud: how to avoid the classic scams

Not all fraud happens online. A lot of it takes place face to face, over the phone or on the doorstep, and it relies on trust, fear or haste. You can recognise it if you know the patterns.

Phone fraud

Someone calls claiming to be from the bank or the police, or saying that a relative of yours has had an accident and urgently needs money. The tone is tense and they rush you. The rule: hang up and check independently, by calling the official number or the person concerned yourself.

Doorstep scams

• Fake employees. People who claim to be checking the gas, electricity or water so they can get into your home. Always ask for ID and call the supplier to confirm.
• Sellers of miracle products. Expensive devices or remedies sold under pressure. Never buy under pressure.
• Fake collections. People asking for money for causes you cannot verify.

The found-money and currency exchange scams

Old schemes, but still around: someone finds money next to you and suggests you split it, or offers you a favourable currency exchange in the street. There is always a trick behind it. If it looks too good to be true, it is a trap.

How to protect yourself

• Do not make decisions under pressure or in a hurry. Fraud needs speed to work.
• Independently check any request for money, however official it looks.
• Do not pay strangers in advance and do not sign anything you do not understand.
• Talk to someone you trust before making an important decision.

Why we write about this

Safety is not only about technology. The people most at risk are often older people or those less familiar with these schemes. Share this article with them. A timely word of advice can prevent a big loss.