Online adverts, social media messages, fake investment platforms and convincing phone calls are all used to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Every year, these schemes cost UK consumers millions of pounds.
At Join the Claim, we take a closer look at how these scams actually work.
That means breaking down the tactics fraudsters use, the psychological tricks that make scams so convincing, and the warning signs people should look out for before it’s too late.
Most importantly, we explain what you can do next. That might mean learning how to protect yourself and your family, reporting fraud when it happens, or understanding when legal action may be possible.
Our goal is simple: to give consumers the knowledge they need to recognise scams earlier, make informed decisions, and take back control.
Join the Claim is not a law firm. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
From fake investment platforms promising quick returns to shopping apps that never deliver, fraudsters are luring people in.
These scams can drain your bank account, steal personal data, and leave you vulnerable to further attacks. And, once your information falls into the wrong hands, regaining control can be costly and stressful.
Have you ever downloaded an app on your phone that wasn’t what it claimed? Been taken in by a romance scammer? Or been stung by a fraudulent crypto scheme? Let us know.
We explore how APP fraud works, why it is dangerous, who is most at risk, and what you can do to recover your losses.
Learn the warning signs of phone fraud and find out what to do if you’ve already been scammed.
Cases are surfacing in the UK, targeting app developers, platform providers, businesses, and payment processors who failed to protect users. So if you have experienced a scam or fraud, you may be able to recover the funds stolen from you.
We’re keeping a close watch on these potential claims.
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Common types of scams and fraud include:
APP fraud happens when someone is tricked into transferring money from their own bank account to a criminal. Because the victim authorises the payment themselves, the bank initially treats the transaction as legitimate. Fraudsters typically impersonate trusted organisations, advertise fake investments, or build relationships with victims before persuading them to send money.
Possibly. Since October 2024, new reimbursement rules introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator require many UK banks to refund victims of APP fraud in certain circumstances. If your claim is successful, the bank may reimburse the amount you lost, subject to the scheme rules and limits
Modern scams often use professional-looking websites, fake reviews, cloned company branding, and even stolen identities. Some criminals now use artificial intelligence to create realistic messages, voices, or videos that make scams appear legitimate.
Common red flags include urgent requests for payment, pressure to act quickly, offers that seem too good to be true, and requests to transfer money to unfamiliar accounts. Messages from unknown numbers claiming to be from banks, government departments, or family members should always be treated with caution.
Pause before taking any action. Do not transfer money or share personal information. Instead, contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number or website to verify the request.
Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud. Acting quickly may help prevent further payments or improve the chances of recovering funds. You should also report the incident to Report Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
Yes. Reporting scam attempts helps authorities track criminal activity and may prevent others from being targeted. Even unsuccessful scam attempts provide useful intelligence.
Scammers often target people who appear vulnerable, such as those experiencing financial stress, loneliness, or major life events. However, anyone can be targeted. Many scams are carefully designed to trick even cautious and financially experienced individuals.
Unfortunately, once someone has been targeted, their contact details may be shared or sold among criminal networks. This can lead to further scam attempts or so-called “recovery scams”, where victims are asked to pay money to supposedly recover previous losses.
In some cases, yes. Depending on the circumstances, banks may reimburse certain types of fraud, particularly where payment systems protections apply. However, recovery is not guaranteed, which is why reporting scams quickly and seeking advice is important.
We connect consumers with their legal dream teams to ensure they get the compensation and support they deserve.
Join the Claim is not a law firm. We connect individuals with top law firms for group action claims, and our service is free to use. While we may receive a fee from the law firms we introduce you to, this will not affect your costs or compensation. We are not responsible for the advice or services provided by these firms. Please note, nothing on this website is legal advice, and while we check claim eligibility, we cannot guarantee a law firm will accept a case.
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