Payment in advance fraud, also known as advance fee fraud, is when a criminal contacts you via text, email or social media and convinces you to pay an upfront fee for goods or services which never materialise.
This can include paying an upfront fee for:
- Job applications
- Loans
- Inheritance
- Goods and services
- Prizes or the lottery
- Delivery fees
How to protect yourself
If someone asks you for an upfront fee, always stop and think. Research the person asking to see if their legitimate
You should never have to pay an upfront fee for a job application or job process. Always check the email or company of the recruiter emailing you
It’s extremely unlikely you won the lottery or competition that you never entered, so if you’re asked to pay an upfront fee to receive the money or prize, it’s likely a scam
You can confirm the company you’re being contact by are registered on Companies House and use the details provided there to contact companies and recruitment agencies directly
A-Z of scams
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.