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Got a suspicious text, email or call? How to spot a scam and report it

Scam texts, emails and calls often pretend to be from your bank, HMRC or another official body and try to rush or frighten you. This guide covers the warning signs, the free ways to report a scam, and what to do quickly if you have already shared details or lost money.

Reviewed 07/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

Anyone in the UK, especially people new to the country, who has received a message or call they are not sure is genuine.

What to do

  1. Look for the warning signs. Scam messages often claim to be from someone official (a bank, HMRC or a government department), rush you with a short deadline or threat, play on fear or hope, or offer something unexpected such as a refund, tax rebate or grant.
  2. Stop and break contact if you have doubts. Do not reply, open attachments, click links or give out bank details or passwords. If a caller seems suspicious, hang up.
  3. Check with the organisation directly, using contact details from its official website or printed on your card or paper statement, never the details in the message. Your bank will never ask for personal information by email or call you to confirm your account details.
  4. Report it. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free; it goes to your mobile provider) and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, where the National Cyber Security Centre investigates them.
  5. If the message claims to be from HMRC, forward texts to 60599 (network charges apply) or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them. HMRC will never threaten arrest, ask you to pay with gift vouchers or offer a tax rebate on social media.
  6. If you shared bank details or lost money, tell your bank straight away. Then report the crime: to Report Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (online or on 0300 123 2040), or to Police Scotland on 101 if you live in Scotland.
  7. If you shared a password or clicked a link, change the password on any account that uses it and run a full scan with your antivirus software. If the message came to a work device, tell your IT department.

Before you act

  • Where to report a money loss depends on where you live: Report Fraud covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Police Scotland handles reports in Scotland. Some older pages still refer to Action Fraud.
  • If you are in immediate danger or a crime is happening right now, call 999.
  • Only contact organisations using details you have found yourself, such as their official website or the number on your card, never details given in a suspicious message.
  • This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

GOV.UK guide to reporting suspicious emails, texts and websites ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.