Fraud can happen to anyone. Criminals use emails, texts, phone calls, social media, fake websites and convincing stories to try to steal your money or personal information. The advice on this page will help you recognise common types of fraud, understand the warning signs and know what to do if something does not feel right.
What should I do if I think something is a scam?
If you receive an unexpected message, call, email or request for money or personal information, stop and think before you act. Ask yourself whether the request could be fake, and do not be rushed into making a payment, clicking a link or sharing details.
- Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
- Challenge: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Protect: If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to the police at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
How criminals try to steal your money or information
Scammers often pretend to be trusted organisations, employers, banks, delivery companies, retailers, police, friends or romantic partners. They may create pressure, offer something that seems too good to be true, or ask you to act quickly. Their aim is to get you to share personal information, reveal security details or send money to an account they control.
Quick checks before you pay or share information
- Were you contacted unexpectedly?
- Are you being pressured to act quickly?
- Have you been asked to move money to a new or “safe” account?
- Does the offer, price, job or investment sound too good to be true?
- Are you being asked to share a one-time passcode, password or PIN?
- Can you verify the request using contact details you found yourself?
What to do if you have been scammed
If you think you have lost money or shared sensitive information, contact your bank immediately. You should also report the scam to the police at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Acting quickly can help protect your account and may reduce further harm.
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How can I protect myself from fraud?
Take Five to Stop, Challenge, Protect. Pause before you respond to any requests for money or your personal information. Question whether the request could be fake and contact your bank immediately if you think you have been scammed.
Explore the advice on our website to find out more about different scams.
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What are some common warning signs of a scam?
Common warning signs include unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal or security information, offers that seem too good to be true and payment details that suddenly change.
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Should I click on a link in a message about my bank, delivery or account?
Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails, texts or social media messages. Go directly to the organisation’s official website or app using details you trust.
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Who should I contact if I think I have been scammed?
Contact your bank immediately if money or account details are involved. You can also it to the Police at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
