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Advance fee scams
Before you pay an upfront fee for anything, make sure it’s not a scam.
Discover how fraudsters offer goods or services to steal your money.
What is an advance fee scam?
An advance fee scam is when you pay a fee upfront for goods or services but don’t get anything in return.
Normally, this scam begins with a phone call, but it may take place on WhatsApp, email or by text.
Fraudsters like to get in touch after you fill in a form that you find on Google. Sometimes, people think a fake company is genuine and recommend them.
Fraudsters often use quick loans for an advance fee scam.
Our video explains how they can tempt you with a loan deal (1 min 8 sec).
Never pay upfront to get goods, services or to receive money until you check and know that it’s genuine.
How this scam works
Common advance fee scams
Fraudsters create different kinds of advance fee scams. These are a few of the most common ones to avoid.
How to check and report a company
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Find the details of unauthorised firms and individuals on the FCA Warning List.
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The FCA allows you to report a scam, unauthorised firm or an individual.
Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself
Protect your passwords
Fraudsters will try to guess passwords to your online accounts.
Protect your devices
Do you know how to keep your devices safe?
Social media scams
Did you know fraudsters set up fake profiles just to steal money?
Passcode scams
Fraudsters can call to ask you for a passcode.
Investment scams
Fraudsters pretend to be genuine companies and advisers.
Scam emails and texts
Fraudsters use scam emails and texts to steal your details.
