Security at ING

Scammers pretend to be real online shops, either by using a fake website or a fake ad for a genuine retail site.

Fake online shopping sites will often request unusual payment methods such as upfront payment by money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer or giftcards.

Scammers also often pose as genuine sellers or buyers using reputable sites, such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, to try sell you goods that you will never receive, or to deceive a genuine seller into forwarding funds for postage, or have a third-party collect the item before the payment falls through.

If goods are advertised at unusually low prices or you’re engaged by a buyer offering you more than your original asking price, it could also be a warning sign!

Scammers claim to be stockbrokers, crypto brokers or portfolio managers offering financial or investment opportunities over an email or phone call.

This can also include bond or share investments that will use prospectus documents that appear to be legitimate or impersonate legitimate financial intuitions.

The scammers will ask you to hand over money for an investment opportunity that offers a high rate of return. There’s also a need to act fast so you don’t miss out.

If you come across an investment opportunity, always seek independent financial advice before investing in such opportunities.

Scammers claim there’s something wrong with your computer or internet so you give them access to your computer.

Scammers will cold-call and pose to be from your bank, your telco or even claim to be law enforcement officials. They will often say you’re computer has become infected with malware, or if claiming to be law enforcement, need your help to catch a hacker.

They will try to convince you to install an application and give them access to your computer. Scammers will use this to access your personal information or demand a ‘fee’ for fixing a fake problem.

Remember to keep your internet banking login details and any SMS codes secure and do not share them with anyone.

Relationship and dating scams

Relationship and dating scams are where scammers form a relationship with you, usually through social media, in order to get money or gifts. They develop the relationship over time and may ask you to transfer assets into their name or ask to become a beneficiary of your will. Often they’ll ask for money to assist with a health, travel or family problem and, in many instances, they will find reasons to only communicate by email and avoid any live video chats. In many instances the person is not who they claim to be and these scams may be used to fund organised crime.

Invoice scams

Invoice scams are where scammers intercept a legitimate invoice or payment you were expecting and change the payee bank account details. Beware, as the sender’s email account may have been hacked. Often the emails will indicate they have recently changed their bank details or are having issues with their current account. To avoid this scam, always call the person or company using a trusted number to make sure the details are correct before processing the payment.