Scam texts, calls and fake messages: spot them and report them

Common signs of a scam

• It’s urgent: a parcel fee, an unpaid fine, a locked account or a “suspicious payment”.
• It asks you to click a link, call a number or share a code.
• A “family member” messages from a new number asking for money.
• A caller says they’re from your bank and asks you to move money to a “safe account”. Banks never do this.
• A message says your lost phone has been found and asks for your Apple Account or Google password.

Report it (UK)

• Scam texts: forward the message to 7726 (free). On iPhone, press and hold the message, tap More, then the forward arrow. On Android, press and hold and tap Forward.
• Scam calls: text the caller’s number to 7726.
• Scam emails: forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• WhatsApp: use Block and Report in the chat.
• A call claiming to be your bank: hang up and call 159 to reach your bank safely.

Clicked a link or paid money?

1. Call your bank straight away using the number on your card.
2. Change the password of any account you entered details into, starting with your email.
3. Turn on two-step verification for email, Apple Account and Google.
4. Report it to the police’s national fraud service, Report Fraud: reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
5. Keep your phone updated – updates close the security holes scammers use.

Protect your phone

• Turn on Stolen Device Protection (iPhone) or Theft protection (Android).
• Filter unknown senders in Messages, and turn on spam call filtering in the Phone app.
• Only install apps from the App Store or Google Play.

Lost your phone? See lost or stolen phone.