Scam guides
How today's scams work, and how to beat them
Each guide shows a real-world example, the red flags, what to do, and what to do if you've already paid.
Messages & calls
DeliveryFake delivery texts and customs-fee scams
Got a text saying your parcel is on hold until you pay a small fee? See how fake delivery texts work, the red flags, and what to do if you tapped.
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Tolls and parking“Unpaid toll” and parking-fine texts
A text says you owe a small toll or parking fine and will face penalties unless you pay now. Here's how to tell fake toll texts from real notices.
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Tax and finesFake tax refunds, government payments and fines
Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. Learn how tax offices really contact you and how to check safely.
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FamilyThe “Hi Mum, this is my new number” scam
A message from a new number says it's your child and asks for money. How the Hi Mum scam works and how to check who you're really talking to.
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BankingBank impersonation and “safe account” scams
A caller from your bank's "fraud team" says your money is at risk. No bank ever asks you to move money to a safe account. Here's what to do.
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AccountsVerification-code and account-takeover scams
“I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?” How scammers steal WhatsApp, email and bank accounts with one-time codes, and how to lock yours down.
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PrizesPrize, lottery and giveaway scams
You've won a phone, a lottery or a supermarket reward. You just need to pay a small fee. How prize scams and fake giveaways work.
Read guideMoney & investments
InvestmentCrypto and investment scams
Guaranteed returns, deepfake celebrity ads and platforms that won't let you withdraw. How investment scams work and how to check before you invest.
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RomanceRomance scams
An online partner who can't meet or video call, then needs money. Learn the warning signs of romance scams and how to talk to someone you're worried about.
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JobsTask-based job scams
A recruiter offers easy remote work rating products or liking videos. Then you have to pay to unlock your earnings. Learn the pattern and the red flags.
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RecoveryFund-recovery scams
After a scam, people are often targeted again by fake lawyers, hackers or agencies promising to recover lost money for a fee. Here's how to recognise them.
Read guideWebsites, shopping & devices
ShoppingIs this website legit? How to check in two minutes
Not sure a shop, bank page or booking site is real? Quick checks, from reading the web address to domain age, before you pay or log in.
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PhishingPhishing links and fake login pages
Learn the one skill that stops most scams: reading who really owns a link. With examples of look-alike addresses and fake login pages.
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ShoppingFake online shops
Huge discounts, countdown timers and a shop that never delivers. How to check whether an online store is real before you pay.
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Buying and sellingMarketplace buyer and seller scams
Fake payment links, overpayments and couriers that never come. How marketplace scams target both sellers and buyers, and how to trade safely.
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Buying and sellingRental and holiday booking scams
A great flat at a low price, a landlord abroad and a deposit before viewing. How rental and holiday booking scams work and how to rent safely.
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Tech supportTech support and remote-access scams
Pop-ups saying your computer is infected, or calls from "Microsoft". How tech support scams work and what to do if someone accessed your device.
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QR codesQR code scams (“quishing”)
Fake QR codes stuck on parking meters or sent in emails can lead to phishing sites. How to scan safely.
Read guideAI and new tricks
InvestmentDeepfake video scams
AI can fake a face and voice on video. How deepfake ads, fake video calls and fake bosses are used to steal money, and how to verify who you see.
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Phone callsAI voice-clone emergency calls
Scammers can now copy a family member's voice with AI and call you with a fake emergency. Learn the signs and the simple family safe-word defence.
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OtherFake charity and disaster appeal scams
After disasters and wars, fake charities appear within hours. Learn the signs of a fake appeal and how to check a charity before you donate.
Read guideSeasonal: sales, Christmas and trips
ShoppingBlack Friday and Cyber Monday scams
Fake shops, copycat ads and too-good deals peak around Black Friday. How the scams work, the warning signs, and how to pay so you can get your money back.
Read guideDeliveryChristmas scams: the ones to warn your family about
Fake parcel texts, gift card demands, charity appeals and sold-out gifts that never arrive. The Christmas scams to watch for, and how to check each one.
Read guideBuying and sellingHoliday booking scams
Fake holiday deals on social media, hijacked hotel messages and flights that don't exist. How holiday booking scams work, and how to book and pay safely.
Read guideFake messages from USPS, Royal Mail, PayPal, Amazon, HMRC and more
What each organisation says it never asks for, its real web addresses and where to report a fake.
See all brands WorldwideScams by country
Official figures, the scams to watch for and where to report in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Singapore, Cyprus and more.
Choose your country QuizSpot the scam: can you tell a fake?
Ten real-world style messages. Test yourself in two minutes, then challenge your family.
Take the quizGuides in other languages: Español · Português · Français · Deutsch