Before you sign, check it's genuine
Most documents you're asked to sign are exactly what they seem. But scammers also send official-looking forms by email, hoping for a quick signature and personal details. These simple checks take a few minutes and can save a lot of trouble.
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Three checks
If anything feels wrong, stop and ask someone you trust.
- 1
Did you expect it?
Real documents usually follow something you arranged or asked for.
- 2
Check the sender
Call the company on a number you already have — not one from the email.
- 3
Read before signing
Never sign something you don't understand.
Warning signs
Hurry
“Sign today or lose your account” is a pressure tactic. Genuine companies give you time.
Requests for money or bank details
Especially gift cards, transfers or card numbers — a common trick.
Strange sender address
A well-known company name, but an odd email address or spelling mistakes.
Contact them yourself
If a bank, energy company, insurer or government office sends you something to sign, look up their number on an old letter, a bill or their official website and call them. Ask whether they sent it. It takes five minutes and settles the question.
Ask a family member or friend
A second pair of eyes helps. You can forward the email to someone you trust, or read it together on the phone before signing.
If you already signed something suspicious
Don't panic. Contact the real company or your bank straight away, explain what happened and follow their advice. If you gave card or bank details, ask your bank to block the card. You can also report the scam to your local consumer protection or police service.
Questions
- Is it safe to open a PDF from an email?
- Open attachments only from people and companies you know and expected to hear from.
- Do you look at my documents?
- No. Your document is opened and signed on your own computer or phone; we never receive it.
- Can a relative help me from far away?
- Yes — you can talk it through on the phone while you look at the document.
- What does it cost?
- Free to try. Downloading your signed PDF costs €2.99 a month or €24.99 a year, and you can cancel anytime.
Everything looks right?
Open the document above and sign it — large text, simple steps.
Choose the document