Protect Yourself

1. Spot the warning signs

• Someone asks you to pay an upfront fee for a guaranteed job, visa, tenancy or investment outcome.
• A message creates urgency: “Pay now”, “keep this secret” or “do not tell anyone”.
• You are asked for passwords, one-time login codes, bank details or identity documents through an unexpected message.
• A contact claims to represent an official body but refuses to let you verify them independently.
• An online relationship or new acquaintance quickly asks for money, gifts or financial access.

These are warning signs, not proof by themselves. Pause and verify before sharing information or paying.

2. Pause, check, choose

1. Pause: Do not click, pay, sign or share personal details while under pressure.
2. Check: Find the organisation’s contact details yourself through its official website, not the link in the message.
3. Compare: Look for independent information, written terms, genuine contact details and reliable reviews.
4. Choose: Decide only when you understand the risks and feel able to say no.

For UK immigration, benefits, employment rights, healthcare and legal matters, check official guidance and appropriately qualified advisers. Rules can change.

3. Keep your information private

• Use unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available.
• Never share one-time verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Think before posting your address, workplace, travel plans, children’s details or immigration documents.
• Review privacy settings and be cautious about strangers offering help in direct messages.
• On shared devices, sign out of accounts and avoid saving sensitive personal information.

4. Recognise pressure and control

Pressure can come from friends, relatives, employers, partners, social media or community expectations. Warning signs include threats, humiliation, demands to hand over your wages or documents, isolation from people you trust, or being made to feel guilty for setting a reasonable boundary.

You are allowed to ask for time, seek independent advice and set limits. If saying no might put you in danger, prioritise safety rather than confronting the person. Use a safe device if your communications may be monitored.

For urgent danger in the UK, call 999. Our Safety & Support Centre offers additional signposting.

5. Words you can use

• “I do not make financial decisions under pressure.”
• “Please send the details in writing so I can check them independently.”
• “I am not comfortable sharing my personal information.”
• “I need time to think. I will contact you if I decide to proceed.”

You do not owe strangers an explanation for protecting yourself.

6. Reflection — trust your judgement

When have I felt rushed to agree to something?

What would help me check information before I act?

Who or what is a safe, independent source of support for me?

What boundary would protect my time, money or peace?

My reminder: I can pause. I can check. I can choose.