A suspicious text
Do not tap links or reply. Forward scam texts to 7726 and check the organisation through a trusted route.
Check the textSuspicious text or call
Is this text or call a scam? Quick checks before you reply
If a text, call, email or message feels urgent, unusual or too good to be true, pause before you click, reply, call back or share details. Use a trusted route to check it.
UK-focused guidance Plain English 7726 and phishing reporting No scare tactics
Quick answer
If you are unsure whether a text or call is a scam, do not click links, call numbers from the message, share codes, or give bank details. Check the organisation through its official website, app or a trusted number. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Do not click links in suspicious texts or emails.
- Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card details or banking information.
- Do not call numbers sent in the suspicious message.
- Check through the official website, app or a number you already trust.
- If you already clicked, paid or shared details, use the relevant action guide below.
What did you receive?
Choose the closest situation. If you already clicked a link, sent money or shared details, move to the relevant action guide.
A suspicious call
Hang up if you feel pressured. Contact the organisation yourself using a trusted number or app.
Check the callA suspicious email
Do not open attachments or follow login links. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Check the emailStep-by-step checks
Use these checks before clicking, replying, calling back or sharing information.
1
Pause before responding
Scam messages and calls often create urgency. A real organisation should not pressure you into immediate action through an unexpected message or call.
2
Check what they are asking for
Be especially cautious if they ask for passwords, one-time codes, bank details, card details, remote access, gift cards, crypto or a bank transfer.
3
Use a trusted route
Do not use links or phone numbers from the suspicious message. Go to the official website, open the official app, or use a number you already trust.
4
Report suspicious messages
Forward suspicious texts to 7726. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If money was lost or details were shared, consider reporting through the UK fraud reporting route.
5
Block and delete only after reporting
Once you have reported the message, you can block the sender and delete the message. Keep screenshots if money, passwords or personal details were involved.
6
Stay alert for follow-up contact
Scammers may contact you again pretending to be a bank, delivery company, police officer, support agent or recovery service.
Common warning signs
One sign does not always prove something is a scam, but several signs together are a strong reason to stop and check.
Unexpected urgency
You are told to act immediately, pay now, confirm details or avoid a penalty.
Links to login pages
The message asks you to sign in using a link instead of opening the official app or website.
Requests for codes
Someone asks for a one-time code, security code or password reset code.
Unusual payment methods
You are asked to pay by bank transfer, crypto, gift card or another method that feels unusual.
Important: Cleverways is educational guidance, not official reporting advice. If money has left your account or bank details may be at risk, contact your bank promptly using a trusted route.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the message or call led to another problem.
I clicked a scam link
Close the page, check what you entered and secure any accounts involved.
Read the link guidanceI sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and ask what can be done.
Read the money guidanceMy account was hacked
Secure your email first, change passwords and check recent account activity.
Read the account guidanceSuspicious text and call FAQs
How can I tell if a text is a scam?
Warning signs include urgency, unexpected links, requests for codes or payment details, spelling oddities, and pressure to act before checking through an official route.
Where do I report scam texts in the UK?
You can forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free. This helps mobile networks investigate scam messages.
Where do I report suspicious emails?
Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. Do not click links or open attachments if the email looks suspicious.
What if I already clicked the link?
Close the page, avoid entering more details and use the clicked-link guidance to decide what to secure next.
Want printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets to keep at home, including steps for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
The safest step is often a pause. Download the free Cleverways guide and keep a simple check nearby for suspicious messages, calls, emails and payment requests.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.