How to spot a scam before it costs you

Scams rely on speed, not cleverness

Most scams aren't sophisticated. They work by rushing you — creating a moment of fear or excitement so you act before you think. Slowing down is your single strongest defence.

Five signals to watch for

1. Urgency. "Your account will be closed in 24 hours." Real institutions give you time.
2. Unusual payment methods. Gift cards, crypto, or "send the code" requests are red flags.
3. A link that doesn't match. Hover or long-press to see where it really goes.
4. Requests for codes or PINs. No legitimate company needs your one-time code.
5. Pressure to keep it secret. "Don't tell anyone" is how scams survive.

What to do when you're unsure

• Stop. Don't reply, click, or pay.
• Contact the organisation using a number you find yourself, not the one in the message.
• Tell someone. A second pair of eyes breaks the spell.

If you've already been caught

Act fast: contact your bank or mobile-money provider, change affected passwords, and report it. Speed limits the damage — and reporting helps protect the next person.