What scams should I look out for in 2025?

In 2025, scams are becoming more convincing than ever. Whether it’s a suspicious email in your inbox or a cold call from your bank, knowing what a scam looks like is the first step in protecting yourself. This guide will explain what scams are, outline the most common types in the UK today, and show you how to spot suspicious activity before it’s too late.

Key Takeaways

• What is a scam?
• What scams are happening in the UK right now?
• Which scams target the elderly?
• What are the most common financial scams in 2025?
• How do I know if something is a scam?
• What should I do if I am a victim of fraud?
• How can people protect themselves from scams?

What is a scam?

A scam is a dishonest scheme designed to trick you into handing over money, personal details, or financial information. Scammers often use convincing tactics like scam calls, phishing emails, or fake websites to target unsuspecting victims. The goal is usually to steal bank account access, credit card details, or payment information without the person’s knowledge or consent.

What scams are happening in the UK right now?

• Online shopping scams: These include fake websites and listings on social media and auction sites, offering discounted goods that are either fake or never delivered. Always check if the retailer is legit and pay with a credit/debit card to stay protected – never pay via bank transfer.
• Parcel delivery scams: Fake delivery notifications ask for additional fees or personal details to reschedule deliveries. Be sure to track parcels through an official retailer or courier website and avoid any suspicious links in texts or emails.
• BT and HMRC scams: There’s been a steady increase in reports of fraud involving scam calls and text messages pretending to be from BT and HMRC. These involve fraudsters claiming there’s a problem with your broadband or tax bill, pressuring you to quickly confirm payment details to fix the issue.
• Investment scams: These scams usually involve fake opportunities in stocks, bonds, or crypto. Victims are persuaded to hand over personal payment details, believing they’re making a genuine investment.
• Phishing scams: Phishing scams involve suspicious emails, links, or text messages that are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information. These often look like they’re from trusted organisations but are actually set up to steal your credit card details, bank account information, or personal details.
• Impersonation scams: These happen when a fraudster contacts you pretending to be from your bank, BT, HMRC, or even the police. These scammers may ask for personal information, payment details, or ask you to transfer money urgently.
• Contactless card fraud: With more people using contactless payments, scammers have found ways to exploit these methods. Contactless card fraud involves stealing payment details by intercepting wireless transactions or cloning cards.
• Loan fee fraud: Loan fee fraud is when scammers ask for an upfront payment for a loan that never materialises. They often claim the fee is for “processing” or “insurance”. Victims are asked for credit card details or bank transfer payments before the loan is approved.
• Ticket fraud: This happens when scammers sell fake tickets online for popular concerts, sports events, or festivals. Victims pay for tickets that either don’t exist or are never delivered.
• Gift card scams: Gift card scams involve fraudsters requesting payment through gift cards, claiming it’s for fines, debts, or urgent bills. Scammers prefer gift cards because they’re tricky to trace and easy to sell.
• Fake listings: Fake listings appear on online marketplaces and classified ad sites. Scammers post ads for items like electronics, cars, or rental properties that don’t exist. Victims are convinced to send payment details or transfer money before even seeing the item.

Which scams target the elderly?

Scammers often target elderly people, believing they may be less familiar with the warning signs. The most common scams that target older people include:

• Impersonation scams
• Phishing scams
• Gift card scams
• Investment scams

According to a 2021 report from Age UK, nearly 43% of over-65s are targeted by scams each year.

What are the most common financial scams in 2025?

In 2023 alone, scammers stole £1.17 billion. The most common financial scams in 2025 include:

• Online shopping scams
• Parcel delivery scams
• BT and HMRC scams

How do I know if something is a scam?

If you think someone is trying to scam you, there are some tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for:

• Unexpected or suspicious contact asking for personal details
• Emails with suspicious links or strange email addresses
• Requests for payment via gift cards
• Pressure to share your credit card details or payment details urgently
• Poor spelling or grammar in emails and messages
• Prize notifications asking you to pay a fee before claiming
• Unfamiliar phone numbers that don’t match official company contacts

What should I do if I am a victim of fraud?

If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud, act as quickly as you can – scammers move fast. Here’s what to do:

• Contact your bank immediately: Let your bank know what’s happened so they can secure your bank accounts and freeze any suspicious transactions. Many banks have a 24-hour fraud helpline for emergencies. If your card details have been shared, ask for a new card.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud: Contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud – either online or by phone. You can also get support from Citizens Advice, which offers help and guidance.
• Monitor your credit file: Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, like unexpected loan applications or changes to your credit score.
• Change passwords: If you think your online personal details have been compromised, change your passwords so fraudsters can’t steal more information.

Think you’ve been scammed? We’re here to help.

If you’ve lost money to a scam, you don’t have to face it alone. We offer a free, no-obligation chat to review your situation and see if you could claim back what you’ve lost, even if you authorised the payment yourself. Best of all, it’s completely no-win, no-fee, so you have nothing to lose by checking.

Start your free claim assessment now or call us on 01204 929929.