Staying safe
Scams are getting more convincing, and they catch out people of every age, including experts. A few simple habits stop almost all of them.
The three habits that matter most
Stop
Scammers rush you. Any message that says you must act right now is a reason to slow down. A genuine organisation will wait.
Check
Don't use the phone number or link in the message. Find the number yourself, on your bank card, a bill or the official website.
Tell someone
Talk it over with family, a friend or your bank. Scammers often ask you to keep things secret, because that's how they win.
Is this a scam? Quick checker
Think about the call, text or email you've received, and tick anything that applies.
Tick anything that matches. If even one thing is ticked, treat it as a scam.
Scams to know about
Fake delivery, bank and tax textsThe most common scam of all
A text says a parcel couldn't be delivered, a payment failed, or you're owed a tax refund, with a link to sort it out. The link leads to a convincing copy of a real website that steals your details.
- Don't tap the link. If you're unsure, go to the company's website or app yourself.
- Forward the text, free, to 7726, then delete it.
"Your account is at risk" callsSomeone pretending to be your bank or the police
The caller says your account has been hacked and you need to move your money to a "safe account". They may already know some of your details, and the number may look genuine.
- Hang up. No real bank or police officer will ever ask you to move money.
- Call 159 to be put through safely to your bank. It works with most major UK banks.
- Use a different phone if you can, as criminals sometimes keep the line open.
"Hi Mum, I've got a new number"Messages pretending to be family
A message claims to be your son, daughter or grandchild on a new phone, and soon asks for money for an urgent bill.
- Call them on the number you already have before doing anything.
- Ask a question only they would know the answer to.
Cloned voices and fake videosNew scams using AI
Criminals can copy someone's voice from a short clip on social media, then call sounding exactly like a loved one in trouble.
- Agree a family password or phrase now, and ask for it if anyone calls asking for money.
- Hang up and call the person back on their usual number.
- Be wary of videos of celebrities recommending investments. These are almost always fakes.
"Your computer has a virus" pop-upsFake technical support
A web page suddenly fills the screen with warnings and a phone number to call. Or someone rings claiming to be from Microsoft or your broadband provider.
- Never call the number or let a stranger connect to your computer.
- Close the browser. If it won't close, restart the computer.
If something has already happened
Act quickly, and don't feel embarrassed. These scams are run by organised criminals, and they fool thousands of careful people every week.
Call your bank first
Connects you safely to most UK banks. Or use the number on the back of your card.
Report it to the police
Report Fraud, for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Or online at reportfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, call 101.