Monthly Scam Watch: May 2026
A calm monthly update on delivery messages, bank impersonation calls, slow-building trust scams and the simple checks to use before clicking, paying or sharing codes.
Read this month's Scam WatchScam guides
UK scam guides: what to do now and how to stay safe
Practical Cleverways guidance for suspicious texts, bank calls, scam links, romance scams, fake job offers, delivery scams and other common fraud risks.
UK-focused guidance Plain English No blame or panic Official reporting routes
Start with what happened
If money, bank details or card details may be at risk, contact your bank using a trusted route first. If you are unsure, choose the closest guide below and take one calm practical step.
- Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726.
- Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Fraud and cyber crime can be reported through Report Fraud.
- Cleverways is educational guidance, not legal, financial or official reporting advice.
Latest scam watch
A monthly Cleverways update on scam tactics to watch, red flags to check and safe UK reporting routes.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
If something feels urgent, official or emotionally pressured, pause before acting and check through a trusted route.
Download the free guideWhat do you need help with?
These are the highest-intent guides for people who need a clear next step.
Clicked a scam link?
What to do if you opened a suspicious link, entered details or downloaded something.
Get the stepsSent money to a scammer?
How to contact your bank, keep evidence and watch for recovery scams.
What to do nowAccount may be hacked?
Recover access, change passwords and secure your email, social or shopping accounts.
Secure the accountSuspicious text or call?
Quick checks before you click, reply, call back or share codes.
Check the warning signsBank phone call scam?
What real banks will not ask you to do, including safe account and code requests.
Read the bank call guideRoyal Mail redelivery scam?
How to check a delivery text safely before tapping links or entering card details.
Check the delivery messageCommon scam types
Learn the warning signs before you trust a person, message, offer or website.
Romance scams
Early warning signs, pressure tactics and safe steps if someone online asks for money or secrecy.
Read the romance scam guideInvestment and cryptocurrency scams
Red flags around unrealistic returns, pressure, fake platforms and recovery promises.
Read the investment guideFake job offers
How to check roles, recruiters, upfront fees, ID requests and work-from-home offers.
Read the fake job guideRemote purchase fraud
How one-time passcode scams and fake online shopping messages can lead to account loss.
Read the remote purchase guideProtecting savings
Practical reminders for protecting savings from pressure, fake opportunities and impersonation.
Read the savings guideMore guides coming
Cleverways is building a practical library for household scam safety and digital confidence.
Start with the free guideKeep the 10-second scam check nearby
The free Cleverways guide gives you a simple pause-and-check routine for suspicious texts, calls, emails and payment requests.
Official UK reporting routes
Cleverways helps you understand warning signs and next steps. Reporting and urgent account protection should use trusted routes.
Suspicious texts
Forward scam texts to 7726 for free.
Suspicious emails
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Fraud and cyber crime
Report fraud and cyber crime through Report Fraud.
Go to Report Fraud Important: If money has left your account, card details were entered, or bank details may be at risk, contact your bank promptly using your banking app, the number on your card, or the bank's official website.
Scam guide FAQs
Which guide should I start with?
Start with what happened most recently. If money or banking details are involved, prioritise contacting your bank through a trusted route.
Are these guides official advice?
No. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK reporting routes. It is not legal, financial or official reporting advice.
Why do the guides focus on slowing down?
Many scams rely on urgency, pressure and confusion. Pausing helps you check through trusted routes before sharing money, codes or personal details.
Can I share these guides with family?
Yes. The wording is designed to be calm, practical and easy to share with someone who may feel embarrassed, rushed or unsure.
Want printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.