Common Types Of Fraud And Scam: Advance Fee Fraud

Don't be a victim! Advance fee fraud is when fraudsters target victims to make advance or upfront payments.

What is Advanced Fee Fraud?

An email, fax, or letter from strangers which requires the victim to pay an “advance fee” before receiving a significant share of a large sum of money. The advance payment may be described as a processing fee, tax, commission, or incidental expense that will be repaid later. If a victim makes the payment, the fraudster either invents a series of further fees for the victim or simply disappears.

​Advance fee fraud may involve urgent business transaction, inheritance or income windfall, emergency situation, sale of products or services, lottery winnings, or other similar unexpected opportunities.
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Remember

• Avoid any arrangements with a stranger who asks for up-front and immediate payment, personal information, or account confirmation.
• Do not believe in offers or earning opportunities that are too good to be true.
• Do not send money, bank, and personal details to anyone you do not fully know or trust.
• Don’t be tempted to part with money for deposits or admin fees for prizes or loans. They may not be real.
• Don’t be tempted to make advance or upfront payments for goods or services unless you know the trader well.
• Don’t be flattered or put under time pressure to make a payment.
• If you’re contact out of the blue about a great financial opportunity, chances are it’s a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!