Advance Fee Scams

Instances where deceptive entities request an initial fee but fail to fulfill the anticipated service.

How It Could Happen To You

  • Following a job interview, you’re extended a job offer contingent on paying a fee for purported background checks or training. Subsequently, you discover the job is non-existent.

  • Encountering an attractive rental property deal, you’re denied the opportunity to inspect it. A deposit is demanded to secure the rental, only for you to later realize the property isn’t available.

  • Participating in a social media competition prompts a payment from you, yet the competition proves to be fictitious with no actual prizes awarded.

  • An unsolicited communication informs you of a competition win, either one you entered or one unfamiliar to you. To claim the prize, you’re asked to remit a fee, but the promised prize never materializes.

  • In the quest for a loan, you locate a fitting option, but an administrative fee is required to secure it.

  • Unexpectedly, a call reveals you’ve inherited money from a long-lost relative, but a fee must be paid to access it. The scammer may justify the fee as a deposit or administrative charge, assuring its return later.

How To Protect Yourself

  • Examine any company advertising a job on social media; verify the existence of a website or office address.

  • Avoid clicking links from job advertisements on social media; manually input the address into your browser to ensure authenticity.

  • Refuse to make payments to a company before commencing employment.

  • Rely on reputable estate agents and refrain from signing a rental agreement if property inspection is prohibited.

  • Exercise caution regarding social media competitions or advertisements requesting payment for entry, as well as individuals asking for payment to access claimed winnings.

  • Maintain skepticism toward requests for payment related to unordered goods or services, particularly if upfront fees are involved.

  • If contacted by someone purporting to represent a company, always use a known and verified phone number for call backs.

  • Remember – winnings from lotteries or competitions you didn’t enter are not legitimate.

  • Question the legitimacy of anything that appears overly advantageous – it often proves otherwise.