Avoiding Scams
Scammers are tricking people to take out loans. Scammers might pretend to be friends, romantic interests or financial advisors who trick people into getting money for them.
One of the most common type of scams we currently see are Cryptocurrency Scams. Scammers often use screen sharing during the application for the loan.
If you take out a loan that’s part of a scam, you might have to pay back the money.
If you’ve taken out a loan with us and have been in contact with anyone that fits any of the descriptions below, please contact us on 0333 999 8875, option 1, as soon as possible. Do not send any money.
Types of Scams
Investment Scams
Scammers can offer investments with guaranteed or high returns that seem too good to be true.
Remember: Always do your research before investing. Scammers can be very convincing, and anyone can be tricked. If you’re unsure, talk to someone you trust.
How to spot an investment scam:
- You might see investment adverts on social media. These can include celebrity endorsements made by AI.
- Scammers may approach you directly, often through social media or WhatsApp.
- They might pretend to be financial advisors or employees of investment companies.
- They offer investments with little or no risk.
- Scammers use high-pressure tactics to make you take out a loan quickly.
- They ask to access your computer or device through screen sharing.
- They may offer to take out a loan using your details.
- You are asked to send images of your ID documents.
- They tell you to send more money to cover charges, prove liquidity, or avoid money laundering issues.
- They claim to be partnered with Hastings Direct. Hastings Direct DO NOT partner with investment companies.
- If an investment sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam!
What is cryptocurrency?
The most common investment scams are Cryptocurrency Scams.
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency. It isn’t issued by governments, isn’t regulated like traditional financial products and only exists in digital form. Bitcoin is one of the most well-known cryptocurrencies.
Can I get a loan with you to invest in stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other investments?
No. Hastings Direct does not provide loans for investing in stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other investments. If someone tells you to take out a loan for investments, it’s probably a scam.
Romance Scams
Romance scams happen when someone pretends to be a romantic partner to get money from you.
How to spot a romance scam:
- Scammers often use fake profiles online and build relationships quickly.
- They might say they can’t meet because they work abroad or don’t have any money to travel.
- They ask for money for things like unexpected bills or travel costs.
- They may ask you to use your savings or to take out a loan for them.
To avoid this scam, don’t send money to anyone you’ve met online.
Money Mules
Money Mule scams involve someone using you to send money elsewhere, often offering you money to do this. They might ask for access to your accounts to make transfers look legitimate, but the money often comes from criminal activity. They may also encourage you to ask others to do the same.
How to spot a money mule scam:
- Someone contacts you on social media offering you money to access your accounts.
- Someone sends you money and asks you to transfer it somewhere, promising you can keep some of it.
- You are asked for documents like proof of identity or address.
- They don’t provide information on where the money came from or where it’s going.
Be aware of this scam! If you’re caught, you could get a criminal record.
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
It’s really important that you let us know, so we can support you.
If you think you might have been the victim of an investment scam, please contact us on 0333 999 8875, option 1. You should also report the incident to
ActionFraud.
What other resources can help me?
Stop Scams UK – they offer more information on scams and how to protect yourself.
How we contact you
Beware of people pretending to be Hastings Direct Loans. We do not contact people over social media or WhatsApp.
We will only call you from our phone number 0333 999 8875.
We will only email you from one of our emails:
lending@hastingsdirectloans.com
customer-service@hastingsdirectloans.com
collections@hastingsdirectloans.com