Instances where deceptive entities request an initial fee but fail to fulfill the anticipated service.

How It Could Happen To You

Following a job interview, you're extended a job offer contingent on paying a fee for purported background checks or training. Subsequently, you discover the job is non-existent.

Encountering an attractive rental property deal, you're denied the opportunity to inspect it. A deposit is demanded to secure the rental, only for you to later realize the property isn't available.

Participating in a social media competition prompts a payment from you, yet the competition proves to be fictitious with no actual prizes awarded.

An unsolicited communication informs you of a competition win, either one you entered or one unfamiliar to you. To claim the prize, you're asked to remit a fee, but the promised prize never materializes.

In the quest for a loan, you locate a fitting option, but an administrative fee is required to secure it.

Unexpectedly, a call reveals you've inherited money from a long-lost relative, but a fee must be paid to access it. The scammer may justify the fee as a deposit or administrative charge, assuring its return later.

How To Protect Yourself

Examine any company advertising a job on social media; verify the existence of a website or office address.

Avoid clicking links from job advertisements on social media; manually input the address into your browser to ensure authenticity.

Refuse to make payments to a company before commencing employment.

Rely on reputable estate agents and refrain from signing a rental agreement if property inspection is prohibited.

Exercise caution regarding social media competitions or advertisements requesting payment for entry, as well as individuals asking for payment to access claimed winnings.

Maintain skepticism toward requests for payment related to unordered goods or services, particularly if upfront fees are involved.

If contacted by someone purporting to represent a company, always use a known and verified phone number for call backs.

Remember – winnings from lotteries or competitions you didn't enter are not legitimate.

Question the legitimacy of anything that appears overly advantageous – it often proves otherwise.

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