Advance Fee Fraud

Advance fee fraud, also known as upfront payment scams, is a pervasive form of deception in the UK where victims are manipulated into paying money upfront for promised goods, services, or financial gains that never materialise.

These scams can be devastating, often leaving victims not only out of pocket but also emotionally distressed.

Here are 10 common types of advance fee fraud to be aware of:

  1. Loan scams: Fraudsters pose as legitimate lenders, offering attractive loans with low interest rates. They demand upfront fees for "processing," "insurance," or "administration," but once paid, the loan never appears.
  2. Rental fraud: Scammers advertise properties they don't own or control, often at below-market rates. They request deposits or rent in advance, sometimes even providing fake contracts, but disappear once payment is made.
  3. Job opportunity scams: Fake recruiters or employers advertise lucrative job positions, asking applicants to pay for background checks, training, or work visas. Once paid, the job offer vanishes.
  4. Inheritance fraud: Victims receive notifications of unexpected inheritances from distant relatives or strangers. To claim the inheritance, they're told to pay various fees for legal processes or tax clearances.
  5. Lottery scams: Fraudsters inform victims they've won a lottery they never entered. To claim the "winnings," victims must pay fees for taxes, bank charges, or processing costs.
  6. Romance scams: Scammers build online relationships through dating sites or social media, gaining trust before asking for money for emergencies, travel expenses, or business opportunities.
  7. Business opportunity scams: Victims are offered seemingly lucrative business deals or investment opportunities but must pay upfront costs for licenses, supplies, or partnership fees.
  8. Psychic scams: Fraudsters pose as clairvoyants or spiritual advisors, charging for "readings" or promising to remove curses for a fee.
  9. Fraud recovery scams: These target previous fraud victims, offering to recover their losses for an upfront fee. Ironically, this is just another form of fraud.
  10. West African or 419 scams: Named after the relevant section of the Nigerian Criminal Code, these involve elaborate stories of political upheaval, business opportunities, or inheritance claims, all requiring upfront payments to release larger sums.
To protect yourself, remember that legitimate organisations rarely ask for upfront fees. Always verify credentials, be wary of unsolicited offers, and resist pressure to pay quickly. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, seek advice from trusted sources or report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.