How to learn to recognise common UK scams

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MalwareHigh priority

About 10 minutes to complete

Get familiar with the scams most commonly used against people in the UK right now, from fake parcel delivery texts to HMRC phone calls. Knowing what to expect is the first line of defence.

Step-by-step guide

Read the National Cyber Security Centre's current scam alerts at ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online.
Know the top three UK scam types: fake parcel delivery SMS asking you to pay a small fee; HMRC calls demanding immediate tax payment; bank calls claiming your account is compromised and asking you to transfer funds to a 'safe account.'
Remember: your bank will never ask you to move money to a safe account. HMRC will never demand immediate payment over the phone. Parcel delivery companies will never ask for card details via SMS link.
Set a rule for yourself: if you did not initiate the contact, do not click, do not pay, and do not share personal details. Call the organisation back using a number from their official website.
Report scams to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

5 steps

Why this matters

Scammers targeting people in the UK adapt their tactics constantly. The most common active scams, such as fake parcel delivery texts, HMRC impersonation calls, and bank fraud warnings, account for hundreds of millions of pounds in losses each year. Knowing the patterns in advance puts you ahead of the attacker.

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