CleverwaysPractical UK scam guidance

Friends and family

An urgent message from a new number

A familiar name is not proof of identity. Verify the person through a contact route you already trust.
Reviewed 29 August 2026 Next review 29 November 2026

What to do first

  1. Pause before replying or sending money.
  2. Call the person on the number already saved in your contacts.
  3. Ask something the real person would know, but avoid sharing the answer first.
  4. If money has already been sent, contact the bank immediately.

Warning signs

  • A new number and a reason the old phone cannot be used.
  • An urgent bill, travel problem or emergency payment.
  • Pressure to keep the request private.
  • A bank account belonging to somebody else.

What not to do

  • Do not rely on the profile picture.
  • Do not send a small test payment.
  • Do not let urgency replace verification.

Sources checked

Cleverways summarises these sources in plain English. Follow the source organisation’s current instructions where they differ.