Scams & fraud: questions and answers
Spotting money mule, phone and text scams, and what to do if you are targeted. Clear answers to the scams and fraud questions people ask most, written in plain English and checked against official sources. 15 answers so far.
Fact-checked against official sources such as GOV.UK, HMRC and the IRS · Updated 6 October 2026
United Kingdom 5
- What should I do when an energy supplier stops trading?
When an energy supplier stops trading, keep the supply on, record your meter reading, retain bills and payment evidence, and follow Ofgem’s Supplier of Last Resort…
- How can you avoid being drawn into a money mule scam?
Do not link your bank account or payment account to receive and forward money for another person unless you have independently verified a legitimate, documented reason.
- How can you spot a misleading PCP compensation claim?
PCP compensation is a real consumer-finance issue, but not every claim advert is trustworthy. Be cautious of unsolicited “guaranteed payout” messages, upfront fees…
- How can I tell whether a suspicious government text is genuine?
Treat an unexpected government-themed text as untrusted until you verify it independently. Do not use the message’s link or phone number; check the real organisation…
- Are apps that pay you to play games actually worth it?
Some paid-to-play apps provide rewards, but a headline reward is not the same as a good hourly return or a safe business model. Treat requests for money, gift cards…
United States 10
- Why do scammers use restricted or new phone numbers?
Scammers use restricted, temporary or unfamiliar numbers because they are easy to change and can make tracing harder. A bank’s fraud block can also interrupt a…
- Is someone offering to deposit money into your account a scam?
Yes, it can be a scam when a romantic contact asks for your bank login or wants you to receive and move money. The FBI warns that people met online who ask for bank…
- What can a scammer do with your name and address?
A scammer who has only your name and address usually cannot empty your bank account from those details alone, but they can use them to impersonate you, target you with…
- What should you do if someone wants you to withdraw cash for them?
Do not withdraw or forward cash for a stranger who says money was deposited to you, especially for a promised fee. The payment may be fraudulent or later reversed…
- Is someone asking to move money through my account a scam?
Yes, it can be a scam and may make you a money mule. A request to receive and forward money for someone else is a major warning sign. Do not move the funds until your…
- How can you tell whether an urgent financial phone call is a scam?
Treat an unexpected call asking for money, passwords, security codes, card details or urgent transfers as potentially fraudulent. Hang up and contact the organisation…
- Are emailed checks for jobs usually a scam?
An emailed image or PDF of a check from a supposed employer is a classic fake-check warning sign, especially when you are told to deposit it, buy equipment, send money…
- Is an online romance request to move money a scam?
Yes, it can be. An online contact asking you to use their bank account, transfer money on their behalf, open an account for them or send funds to an overseas project is…
- Is an online job converting crypto to cash a scam?
It is a major scam warning sign when an online employer asks you to receive money into your personal or business bank account and convert, forward or send it as…
- Can someone commit fraud with the bank details printed on your cheque?
Yes. The account and routing details printed on a US check can be useful to a fraudster, but they do not by themselves give someone unlimited access to your bank…
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General information, not personal financial advice. How we check facts.