A suspicious text
Do not tap links or reply. Check the message using the simple warning signs below.
Check the textSuspicious text or call
What to do if you received a suspicious text or call
If a message or call feels urgent, unusual or too good to be true, pause before you click, reply or share details. Use a trusted route to check it.
UK-focused guidance Plain English Practical checks No scare tactics
Do these first
Do not rush. Scams often rely on pressure, urgency or confusion. Take a moment and check through a trusted route.
- Do not click links in suspicious texts or emails.
- Do not give passwords, codes, card details or banking information.
- Do not call numbers sent in the message.
- Contact the organisation using its official website, app or known phone number.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
What did you receive?
Choose the closest situation. If you already clicked a link 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.
Check the callI already clicked or shared details
Close the page and work out what information you entered.
Go to the clicked-link guideStep-by-step guidance
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 or one-time codes
- bank or card details
- remote access to your device
- payment by bank transfer, crypto or gift card
- personal information you would not normally share
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 Report Fraud.
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.
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.
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 guidanceKeep 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 and payment requests.