This is when someone steals your personal information to pretend to be you and commit fraud. For example, they may open new accounts in your name or get medical treatment using your identity, leading to account takeovers, financial loss, and legal problems. This type of fraud can also be committed by someone you know who uses access to your personal documents or information to bypass security measures and access your money.

Dating or romance fraud involves meeting a partner, online or otherwise, who may seem perfect, but are actually pretending to care. They use your emotions to win your trust, then ask for money or other personal details.

Fraudsters can pretend to be a company or a broker offering exciting investment opportunities or products that are either actually worthless or do not exist. They can do this by cold calling you or using fake websites, documents or social media offers that can look real.

Fraudsters may try to make money through fees, by getting access to pension savings, or by receiving investments. Common features of pension scams include attempts to gather information for future scams, making fake or unrealistic promises, or convincing you to either transfer your entire pension or release money from it.

This is similar to investment fraud where a fraudster will pretend to be an insurance company or broker (sometimes called a ‘ghost broker’) to sell you fake life, medical or car insurance products.

In addition, third parties (including individuals authorised by you to deal with us on your behalf) could attempt to downgrade your level of cover (for example, health insurance cover) and use these cost savings for their own benefit.

In respect of any claims submitted on your behalf, you should review your claims settlement documentation to ensure the details are consistent with the treatment you received and contact us in the event of any discrepancies.

Fraudsters can commit criminal acts by using computers and the internet, for example by getting you to click on a link that gives them access to your computer and online information. It can involve stealing personal information, damaging systems, or spreading harmful content. 

This is where an appointed attorney uses their authority to make withdrawals for their own benefit, rather than acting in your best interests.

A caregiver or trusted person may pressure you into signing over savings or property, often through emotional manipulation.

This is where someone is arranging for your benefit payments (such as annuity, disability or state pension) to be sent to them instead of you.

Scam emails may look real, but their aim is usually to scare you into acting quickly. For example, they could say there is a problem with your policy and give you instructions to fix the issue. Those instructions could result in you giving away information or access to your computer and online information.

• If you think you’ve received a suspicious email, don’t click on any links or act on any instructions in the email, that could bring you to a fake or cloned website or download a computer virus.
• Pay attention to how the email is written. Bad grammar and spelling mistakes are tell-tale signs of a scam. However, fraudsters are clever and even a well written email could be a trick.
• Emails may look real and closely copy a real email address. Check for slight differences or typos in the email address. You can also hover your mouse over the email address and if a different one appears then it is probably a scam

Stay safe tip: Many scam emails try to look like they are from real companies by using their name, logo and branding. If you receive an email and you are not sure if it is real, it is best to check by contacting the real company directly using the contact information on their real website. Do not use any contact information from the email. 

• Fraudsters will often call or text out of the blue and make you feel under pressure to give personal information right then and there. While we may call you from time to time, there is certain information we will never ask you to give us over the phone. If you are ever unsure, we are happy for you to hang up and call us back to check. While security questions over the phone are common to confirm your identity and protect your information, a fraudster will try to get as much information from you as they can, in particular your bank details. Avoid giving away bank details, passwords, or PIN numbers over the phone to prevent identity theft and financial loss.
• Is the caller being persistent? Fraudsters will pressure you into giving them what they want. Take as much time as you need to think it through and to double check. If you feel uncomfortable, hang up.
• Is the phone call from a company you have never heard of before? Is the call coming from a withheld number? Does the reason for the phone call sound suspicious? If in doubt, play it safe and hang up.
• Be aware of odd, incorrect punctuation and spelling. Are there odd symbols in the text message, spelling errors, or bad grammar?

Social media scams are getting more clever and sophisticated, often using brand logos and fake terms and conditions to appear real.

• Don’t post your personal details for everyone to see: Never share nicknames, pet names, your address or when you are on holiday. This can be seen by fraudsters who can gather and use your information.
• Make social accounts private: Limit the details that can be viewed by the public. That way only trusted friends and family can see what you are posting.
• Steer clear of strangers: Be wary of ‘follow’ or ‘friend’ requests online if you do not know the person. Always make sure they are genuine before sharing any information.
• Delete old social media profiles: If you have an online profile that you do not use or was created a long time ago, there may be personal information currently available for a fraudster to use that you are not aware of or have forgotten about. It is very important to delete old profiles.
• Install anti-virus software: There are a number of free anti-virus services available, so you need to be wary and make sure you are using a trusted company. Or, you can pay for anti-virus software from your trusted local computer or electrical store.
• Take care on public Wi-Fi: Fraudsters can copy genuine Wi-Fi networks or hack an existing open public one. When on the go, avoid using apps with sensitive information, like mobile banking, on open public Wi-Fi networks.

A cloned website is a fake copy of a company’s website. It aims to trick customers into believing it is real so fraudsters can ask customers to enter their personal or bank details.

• Cloned websites can sometimes advertise fake products that promise to make you money. These ‘products’ often seem too good to be true. If you fill in an application , you could be giving away important information such as your bank details, password, or date of birth. If you buy a product you could be sending money straight to the fraudsters bank account.
• The easiest way to identify a cloned website is by looking at the domain name which is the website address name. Fraudsters may use a name that is very similar to the real company name. Always look at the website address name for clues to make sure you are not accessing a cloned website. If you are in doubt, contact Cornmarket directly for advice.