Online scams and internet threats
Scammers keep changing their stories, communication channels and ways of obtaining money or sensitive information. Choose the situation closest to what you have encountered.
If you have already entered a password or card details, sent money or allowed access to your device, do not wait for things to develop.
Three scams to recognise
These examples show different ways scammers can obtain money, sensitive information or account access.
Fake police officers and bank employees
The caller claims your account is compromised, someone took out a loan in your name or your money must be moved to a supposedly safe account.
- impersonates police, a bank or a central bank,
- creates fear and time pressure,
- demands a transfer, loan or cash.
Investment scams
A fake adviser promises quick returns, displays invented profits and gradually asks for more deposits, fees or remote access.
- guaranteed or extraordinary returns,
- a fake platform and fabricated profits,
- more fees before you can withdraw.
QR code scams
A QR code may lead to a fake payment page, bank sign-in or a website seeking your details and payment authorisation.
- an unexpected request to scan a code,
- redirection to an unfamiliar address,
- a request for card details or a bank sign-in.
Choose a scam category
Scenarios are grouped by the situations in which you are most likely to encounter them.
Money and impersonation
Scammers impersonate banks, police, authorities or financial experts and invent reasons to transfer money, share information or authorise a payment.
Fake police officers and bank employees
The caller says your account is compromised, a loan was taken out in your name or your money needs to move to a supposedly safe account.
Learn more →Investment scams
A fake adviser promises quick returns, shows fabricated profits and then requests further deposits, fees or remote access.
Learn more →Fake fine-payment texts
A message claims you have an unpaid fine and directs you through a link to a fake payment page.
Learn more →Fake invoices and business emails
The offender imitates a supplier, company management or a genuine conversation and changes the account number on an invoice.
Learn more →QR code scams
A QR code may conceal a fake payment page, fraudulent sign-in or a link intended to obtain personal and financial details.
Learn more →Shopping, services and online marketplaces
Fake shops, offers, bookings and listings exploit ordinary purchases to obtain payments, card details or account access.
Marketplace payment scams
A fake buyer sends a courier or payment-collection link. To supposedly receive your money, you are asked for card details, bank sign-in details or authorisation of an operation.
Learn more →Cash-on-delivery scams
A cash-on-delivery parcel may contain worthless, incorrect or unordered goods. Paying on receipt does not itself guarantee a safe purchase.
Learn more →Booking.com impersonation and payment scams
A message may claim you must verify your card again, confirm a booking or make an extra payment through a link to a fake payment page.
Learn more →Fake rental listings
A fake landlord offers an attractive flat, often claims to be abroad and demands a deposit before a viewing.
Learn more →Firewood and pellet scams
A suspiciously cheap offer requires advance payment. After you pay, the goods do not arrive, the seller stops responding or demands more money.
Learn more →In-game item trading scams
The offender may use a fake middleman, fraudulent payment, compromised account or altered trade offer.
Learn more →Accounts, devices and malicious content
These scams seek sign-in details, device control, a changed payment address or execution of a malicious command.
Fake mobile games and apps
A MOD, crack or APK from an unverified source may hide malware. Learn to spot risky permissions and what to do after installation.
Learn more →Fake “I am not a robot” checks
A fake check asks you to copy and run a Windows command. This can actually execute malware.
Learn more →Fake Google emails
An email warns of a supposed sign-in or security issue. Verify it directly in your Google Account.
Learn more →Crypto Clipper: replacing a wallet address
Malware monitors your clipboard and may replace a copied cryptocurrency address with one controlled by the offender.
Learn more →WhatsApp malware
Unexpected files can arrive even from a familiar or compromised account. Installing an APK or granting sensitive permissions greatly increases risk.
Learn more →Relationships, work and social manipulation
Offenders exploit a personal relationship, an earnings opportunity or fear for a loved one. They may build trust over time before asking for money or other help.
Work-from-home scams and money laundering
An offer promises simple tasks and quick earnings. Later it may require your own payments or receiving and forwarding other people’s money.
Learn more →Online romance scams
The offender gradually builds a personal or romantic relationship, then asks for money for travel, a health problem, a parcel or another crisis.
Learn more →Family emergency scams
A message says someone close to you has a new number, lost their phone or needs an urgent bill paid. A request for an immediate transfer follows.
Learn more →Need to know what to do right now?
Scams can overlap and change quickly. If you have already sent money, shared sensitive details, opened a suspicious link or allowed device access, follow guidance based on what actually happened.