Avoid the Catfish - Consumeradvice

AVOID THE CATFISH!

Advice Direct Scotland are encouraging consumers to steer clear of the catfish to avoid being scammed on and around Valentine’s Day 2023.

Throughout the week commencing Monday the 13^th of February, we will share our top tips on avoiding being caught out by pretend love interests on dating apps; bogus ads selling goods and services online; and fake get-rich quick schemes, including cryptocurrency scams.

The campaign will focus on the practical things that consumers can do to avoid being caught out and show what support is available in situations where we are.

More about the campaign...

Romance Scams

Image of a mobile phone with cupid and love hearts on the left hand side of words with "Romanced or Catfished?" with an image of a catfish swimming on the other. #avoid the catfish.

Image of a speech bubble surrounded by love heart with "Tip 1 - Avoid Oversharing" written above it. Within the speech bubble is quoted "Avoid revealing too many personal details too early in conversation & never share bank details – if someone asks for money from you, this should ring warning bells. Many of these scammers depend on their target supplying enough information for them to be able to help themselves."

Image of a mobile phone surrounded by speech bubbles with the words "TIP 3 - Check in on relatives!" and within the mobile phone the words "If someone seems withdrawn and secretive, especially in relation to money or their latest love interest, make sure they are OK. Let them know you are there for them if they need you." #avoidthecatfish

Image of a speech bubble with a 'lovebomb' above it. Words at the top say "TIP 4 - Keep an eye out for giveaway tactics!" and the words within the speech bubble say "Be aware of ‘love bombing’ – many scammers shower affection and shower with complements very early and use this as a tool to extort money and gain trust. Be wary of sweeping statements and clichés." #avoidthecatfish

Text reads "TIP 5 - If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!" surrounded by images of exclamation marks. #avoidthecatfish

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Crypto Investment Scams

Images of Dodgecoin and Bitcoin above the words "Crypto OR Catfish" with the image of a catfish below. #avoidthecatfish

Text with "TIP 1 - Be wary of ads online!" and an image of a computer screen surrounded by images of graphs. Within the screen is the text "Avoid online or social media adverts that claim high returns on crypto asset or crypto asset-related product investments." #avoidthecatfish

Text at the top reads "TIP 2 - Check with the FCA!" There is an image of a document under a microscope and text to the right that reads " Firms must be FCA authorised to advertise or sell Crypto asset derivatives (such as futures contracts, contracts for difference and options). Check the FCA’s Register to make sure this is the case."

Text "TIP 4 - Pressure to invest is a sign of a scam!" An image of a pen and contract above the figure of a person under pressure. The text "Never allow the crypto trader to rush or pressured you into purchasing. This can be a clear sign of a scam if they do." appears below. #avoidthecatfish

Text reads "TIP 5 - Don’t pay to recover money!" with an image of a scammer on a computer. Additional text reads " If you have been scammed, do not pay another potential scammer in order access the funds in your account. This could be part of a larger scam." #avoidthecatfish

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Online Scams

Image of "Double glazing or dodgy dealings (don't get catfished)" next to image of a window with two catfish. #avoidthecatfish

Text with "TIP 1 - Avoid clicking on any links!" An image of a finger clicking a 'report scam' button appears below, with an arrow pointing into a bin. The text " Make sure you report the message as a scam and then delete it." appears next to it. #avoidthecatfish

Text reads "TIP 2 - Never assume a website is safe!" Images of padelock, a magnifying glass and a secure symbol. The text reads " It is important to check to see if websites are trustworthy and legitimate before supplying any sensitive information (check for the padlock / secure symbol as a first step, and look for any giveaways of a scam, such as spelling errors or pixelated logos / images)."

Text reads "TIP 3 - Never send money or buy anything if unsure!" with images of reviews / stars and a document with a magnifying glass. Additional text reads "You should always do your homework before agreeing to anything. Checking online reviews of the company you are looking at is a good start – but remember generic reviews with similar information can be a sign of a scam." #avoidthecatfish

Text reads "TIP 4 - Avoid sharing information if unsure!" Images of passwords and a figure with a confused expression appears towards the bottom. Additional text reads " Never share any personal information; bank details; passwords; or PIN numbers. If you have given out this type of information, you should change all passwords and pins and notify your bank." #avoidthecatfish

Text Reads "TIP 6 - Don’t be caught out by call backs!" Images show email, letter, telephone and SMS icons. There is additional text showing that reads " Avoid calling any numbers you have received in an email, text message or letter, especially if it is a premium rate number. If you are unsure about the cost of dialling a particular number, you can contact your service provider for advice."

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