Scams and frauds are schemes to deceive somebody into paying money or giving away personal information to criminals. Learn to recognise the warning signs before it costs you.
Consider carefully what you are getting into, do not be rushed and do your own independent research.
Searching a person or business name with the word “scam” can surface warnings from previous victims.
Contact the Police immediately — whether or not money has been lost.
Phishing messages try to lure you into clicking a link or providing personal information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Here’s how to avoid getting tricked.
An email that seeks personal information like identification numbers or login details is a phishing scam. Legitimate government agencies won’t ask for that information. Never respond with your personal data.
Inspect a link by hovering your mouse over the URL to see where it leads. Sometimes it’s obvious the address is not legitimate — but phishers can create links that closely resemble real addresses. Delete the email.
If an email includes spelling, punctuation and grammar errors, it’s likely a sign you’ve received a phishing email. Delete it.
Phishing emails are unlikely to use your name. Greetings like “Dear sir or madam” signal an email is not legitimate.
Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. The goal is to get you to click a link and provide personal information — right now. Delete the message.
Never click links or open attachments you weren’t expecting. Go directly to the organisation’s official website or phone them on a known number instead.
There are many different types of scams and frauds — but most share the same tell-tale patterns. Watch for these indicators.
The con-artist contacts you first, pitching an opportunity or attempting to coax personal details such as your bank account information.
The fraudster creates situations where you make impulsive decisions without adequately considering the facts and risks.
You’re made to feel you’re getting a special deal or joining an elite group with specialised information — appealing to greed or vanity, and forcing quick decisions.
Few legitimate situations require your PIN, passwords or credit card details. Fraudsters pose as banks and card providers to steal your identity.
Most scams promise high returns with little or no risk. In truth, the higher the return, the higher the risk — and there is never a guarantee.
You’re told not to tell others about the arrangement — common in lottery scams. Secrecy stops you researching the facts and discovering the fraud.
Some fraudsters deliberately write poorly so victims feel cleverer than the fraudster — and therefore less on guard against being defrauded.
Big rewards “hook” the victim, then obstacles appear — taxes, freight charges, bribes — requiring payment first. The fees grow until the victim realises the riches never existed.
These external websites give further explanation and details about different types of scams and frauds.
Scams and safety guidance covering common fraud schemes and how to protect yourself.
Scamwatch resources with explanations and details about different types of scams.
How to protect against phishing scams and other types of phishing emails.
If you think you are being approached by a fraudster, or have fallen victim to a scam, contact the Police immediately. You can also report scams to the Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit.
