Romance-Based Payment Scams
Romance scams happen when someone forms a relationship online and gradually asks for financial help.
These cases often build over weeks or months. The person feels real, supportive, and trustworthy. Requests for money may be linked to emergencies, shared plans, or investment ideas. Payments are made in good faith – not because someone believed something “obvious”, but because trust had already been established.
Many people don’t realise how common this is, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Impersonation Payment Scams
Sometimes scammers don’t just pretend to be a bank, a company, or a government organisation – they may pretend to be someone you love. You might get a call, text, or email that looks like it’s from a son, daughter, partner, or close relative, saying there’s an urgent problem and they need your help.
It can feel incredibly real and pressuring – they might say their bank account is blocked, their phone has been lost, or they’re in some kind of financial emergency. Because it feels personal and urgent, it’s natural to want to help straight away.
Other times, the scammer might pose as a bank, supplier, or company director asking for a payment to “protect your funds” or “stop fraud.” Either way, the messages are designed to feel credible and to discourage you from double-checking.
These scams are happening every day in the UK. They are a recognised form of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, and they can happen to anyone – it doesn’t mean you weren’t careful.
Invoice and Supplier Payment Scams
These scams happen when a payment is made believing it’s going to a genuine business or supplier.
Clients may receive an invoice that looks completely legitimate or be told that payment details have changed. Everything appears normal until it’s discovered the money went to a different account. This is especially common for businesses, landlords, and contractors, and often involves emails that have been convincingly copied or intercepted.
Crypto-Related Payment Scams
These scams involve being persuaded to move money from a UK bank account, often to buy or invest in cryptocurrency.
This usually starts with what appears to be a legitimate opportunity – a trading platform, an adviser, or someone offering guidance. Clients are asked to make bank transfers, believing the money is being invested or held safely. Once the payment is made, the funds are moved out of reach.
This is one of the fastest-growing types of UK payment fraud and affects thousands of people every year.
