Common types of scams

Phishing scams

Phishing scams can arrive by phone call, email, SMS, or fake website links. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust – like a bank or government agency – and try to trick you into sharing personal details like usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.

Investment scams

Scammers may pose as financial experts and offer fake investment opportunities that promise high returns. Their aim is to get you to transfer money into schemes that don’t exist.

Remote access scams

Scammers may trick you into downloading software that lets them control your device. They often pretend to be from a trusted company and may ask you to buy gift cards, fix a fake issue, or transfer money.

Romance scams

Scammers build fake relationships to gain your trust, then ask for money, gifts, or personal details. They may create fake emergencies to pressure you into sending funds or transferring assets.

Buying and selling scams

Scammers may use fake profiles or hacked accounts to sell goods or services that don’t exist. They might pose as businesses, then disappear after receiving payment.

Job scams

Job scams can involve fake roles that ask you to move money, making you the money mule without knowing it. Be wary of any offers involving your bank account.

Money mule scams

Scammers may try to use you to move stolen money. This is called money muling. They might offer “quick cash”, a job, or ask for a favour in exchange for using your bank account, like asking you to receive, transfer or withdraw money, or open an account in your name.

Even if the request seems genuine, moving money for someone else can be illegal. You could lose your money, have your account closed, or be held legally responsible.

If you receive money you weren’t expecting and are asked to move it, don’t act on it. This may be a strong warning sign of a money mule scam.