Scam victims tell us their stories

Be suspicious of investment opportunities that promise a high return with little or no risk, and don't let anyone pressure you into making decisions about your money or investments.

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners. They will express strong emotions for you and will go to great lengths to gain your interest and trust.

Some emails may look like they're from a genuine supplier of a business. Scammers may request changes to bank account details so that payment will be redirected into their account.

While many online sellers are legitimate, unfortunately scammers can use the anonymous nature of the internet to rip off unsuspecting shoppers.

If someone asks you to pay for anything using a gift card, it's a scam. A legitimate business or government department won't ask for payment this way.

Don’t be pressured by a threatening caller. Scammers may pretend to be from a government department and claim you have outstanding debts, threatening you with arrest or legal action.

Some scammers may pretend to be a staff member from a large telecommunications or computer company in an attempt to gain your personal or bank details.

Scammers can gain access to your private information through unlocked mailboxes or discarded personal documents such as utility bills, insurance renewals or health care records.