Why this matters
Fraud is when someone uses deception to get your money, your personal data, or access to your account. Modern scams are well-designed: they look like real messages, real websites, and sometimes even like us. You don't need to be careless to be targeted — fraudsters rely on urgency, trust, and everyday habits.
The good news: almost every scam follows a recognisable pattern. Once you know the main types and their warning signs, you can spot them early and avoid losing money. This article is a quick map of the most common types of fraud — use it as a starting point, then follow the links to learn how to protect yourself against each one.
What fraud actually is
At its core, fraud has three ingredients:
A disguise — the fraudster pretends to be someone you trust (your bank, a company, a delivery service, a friend, or an "official").
A trigger — a reason to act right now: a blocked account, a missed payment, a prize, a threat, or an urgent request.
An action they want from you — clicking a link, sharing a code or password, or sending money.
If a message combines someone you trust + urgency + a request for money or credentials, treat it as suspicious until proven otherwise.
The main types of fraud
Phishing. Fake emails, text messages, or websites that imitate a trusted brand to steal your login details or card data. The message pushes you to "verify," "confirm," or "unlock" something via a link. → See: Phishing Explained: Fake Emails, SMS & Websites
Social engineering. Manipulation rather than technology. A scammer contacts you directly — by phone, chat, or message — and uses pressure, authority, or fear to talk you into acting against your own interest. → See: Social Engineering: How Fraudsters Manipulate You
Account takeover (ATO). A fraudster gains access to your account using stolen passwords or intercepted verification codes, then moves money or changes your details. → See: Account Takeover: How It Happens & How to Prevent It
Payment & transfer scams (APP fraud). You are tricked into authorising a payment yourself — to a "safe account," a fake seller, or a redirected invoice. Because you approved it, these are among the hardest to reverse. → See: Before You Send: Verifying Payment Details & Beneficiaries
Investment scams. Fake investment platforms, "guaranteed" returns, and crypto opportunities that look professional but exist only to take your deposit. → See: Investment Scams & Fake Opportunities
Impersonation fraud. Someone pretends to be your bank, a government body, customer support, or even a person you know, to gain your trust and your money. → See: Impersonation Fraud: Fake Banks, Authorities & Support
Identity theft & data misuse. Your personal data (documents, card numbers, login details) is stolen and used to open accounts, make purchases, or impersonate you. → See: Protecting Your Personal Data Online
What these scams look like in real life
A text message: "Your account has been suspended. Confirm your identity within 24 hours: [link]."
A phone call: "This is the security department. We've detected fraud on your account — to protect your money, move it to a safe account now."
A "too good to be true" ad: "Invest €250 today and earn €2,000 in a week — guaranteed."
A message from a "friend": "I'm stuck and can't access my account, can you send me money quickly? I'll pay you back."
An email that looks like it's from us, asking you to "reactivate" your account through a link.
Different disguises, same structure: trust + urgency + a request for money or credentials.
How to protect yourself
Slow down. Urgency is the fraudster's main tool. Genuine organisations don't punish you for taking a minute to check.
Never share codes or passwords. No legitimate company — including us — will ever ask for your password or one-time verification code.
Don't click links in unexpected messages. Open the app or website yourself instead of following a link.
Verify through official channels. If a message claims to be from us or your bank, contact them using details from the official app or website, not from the message.
Be sceptical of guaranteed returns. If an offer promises high, risk-free profit, it's a scam.
Check before you pay. Confirm the recipient's details independently before sending money, especially for large or first-time transfers.
How we won't contact you
We will never ask for your password or full verification code.
We will never ask you to move money to a "safe account."
We will never pressure you to act within minutes or threaten to close your account if you don't share information.
If a message claiming to be from us does any of these, it's not us.
What to do if you think you've been targeted
Stop. Don't send money, click further, or share anything else.
If you shared a password, change it immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
If you sent money or shared card details, contact us right away so we can help secure your account.
Report it so we can warn other users and improve protection.
→ If it has already happened, see: I Think I've Been Scammed: Immediate Steps