What Is a Scam and How to Prevent It?

In today’s digital world, scams are becoming more common and more sophisticated. From fake investment schemes to impersonation fraud and online shopping cons, scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people out of their hard-earned money. At DMJ Legal, we believe that awareness is the first step in protecting yourself.

What Exactly Is a Scam?

A scam is a dishonest or fraudulent scheme designed to deceive someone—usually for financial gain. Scams can happen in person, over the phone, via email, or online. Some common types of scams include:

  • Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud – where victims are tricked into willingly transferring money to a fraudster.
  • Cryptocurrency scams – involving fake investments or wallet transfers that result in loss of digital assets.
  • Romance scams – where someone builds a fake relationship online to gain trust and then ask for money.
  • Impersonation scams – fraudsters pretend to be from trusted organisations like your bank, the police, or HMRC.
  • Phishing scams – emails or messages designed to steal your personal or financial information.

These scams can be devastating both emotionally and financially, and no one is immune.

How to Spot a Scam

Scammers are experts at making things look and sound convincing. But there are usually red flags. Look out for:

  • Unexpected contact – especially if you’re asked to act quickly or keep it a secret.
  • Too good to be true offers – high returns, guaranteed profits, or urgent “limited time” deals.
  • Requests for personal or financial details – especially via links or unknown phone numbers.
  • Spelling and grammar mistakes – often found in scam emails or messages.
  • Pressure tactics – threats of account closure, legal action, or missed opportunities.

Tips to Prevent Being Scammed

Here are a few simple steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones:

  • Never rush into financial decisions. Take time to think and do your research.
  • Verify contact details. Don’t rely on caller ID or links in emails—contact organisations directly through official websites.
  • Don’t share personal information over the phone or online unless you’re 100% sure who you’re dealing with.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  • Check URLs and email addresses. Scammers often create fake websites or email domains that look very similar to real ones.
  • Talk to someone you trust. If you’re unsure about a request or transaction, speak to a friend, family member, or legal professional.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, take action quickly:

  1. Contact your bank immediately – they may be able to stop or recover the payment.
  2. Report the scam to Action Fraud – the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud.
  3. Speak to a legal expert. At DMJ Legal, we specialise in helping people recover money lost to scams and fraud. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Scams can happen to anyone, and there’s no shame in falling victim to one. The most important thing is to act fast, stay informed, and know that help is available. At DMJ Legal, we’re committed to helping you fight back and recover what’s yours.

If you’ve lost money to a scam, get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.

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