UK Scam Awareness — Know What to Look For
Scams targeting UK residents are more sophisticated than ever. They arrive by phone, email, text, social media, and post. They impersonate banks, HMRC, the police, parcel delivery companies, and technology firms. This page covers the most common scam types currently targeting UK home users and small businesses — and tells you exactly what to do if you've been targeted.
The Most Common Scams in the UK Right Now
Phishing emails and texts
Fake emails and texts designed to steal your login details or payment information. They often impersonate banks, HMRC, Royal Mail, or popular online services.
HMRC scams
Phone calls, texts, and emails pretending to be HMRC — often threatening immediate arrest or demanding payment via gift cards. HMRC will never contact you this way.
Bank and payment fraud
Fraudsters impersonating your bank to trick you into authorising a payment, or gaining access to your online banking. UK banks are required to refund most authorised push payment fraud.
Romance scams
Long-term deceptions conducted through dating apps or social media, designed to build trust before requesting money. UK victims lost over £92 million to romance fraud in 2023.
Investment and cryptocurrency fraud
Fake investment opportunities, often using AI-generated content or celebrity endorsements. Victims are promised high returns and encouraged to move money into cryptocurrency.
Parcel delivery scams
Fake 'missed delivery' texts with links to fake Royal Mail, DPD, or Evri pages, designed to steal payment card details.
Social media account takeovers
Hackers gaining access to Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp accounts — then using them to scam your contacts.
Identity theft
Using stolen personal information to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or file tax returns in your name.
Think You've Been Scammed? Do This Now
Stop and don't send any more money or information.
If you're mid-scam and realise it, stop immediately. Do not send more money. Do not share more personal details.
Contact your bank if money is involved.
Call the fraud number on the back of your card. If you've made a payment, ask them to try to recall it. UK banks are required under the APP Fraud Reimbursement Code (October 2024) to reimburse most fraud victims.
Report to Action Fraud.
Go to actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You'll receive a crime reference number.
Report to the NCSC.
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Forward suspicious texts to 7726.
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If you've clicked a link in a scam email or text and think your account or device may be compromised:
Protect Yourself Before It Happens
The best defence against scams is knowing what to look for — and having strong account security so that even if scammers have your password, they can't get in.
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Create your free accountFor Small Businesses
Small businesses are targeted by specific scam types — invoice fraud, CEO impersonation fraud, and ransomware. These can cause significant financial and operational damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a scam in the UK?
Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk (online) or 0300 123 2040 (phone). For suspicious emails, forward to report@phishing.gov.uk. For suspicious texts, forward to 7726. If money has been taken, contact your bank immediately first.
Can I get my money back if I've been scammed?
It depends on how you paid. If you paid by bank transfer, contact your bank immediately — under the APP Fraud Reimbursement Code (October 2024), most UK banks must reimburse authorised push payment fraud up to £85,000. If you paid by credit card, you may be protected under Section 75 for purchases over £100. Cryptocurrency and gift card payments are very difficult to recover.
How do I know if an email is a scam?
Check the sender's email address (not just the display name), hover over any links before clicking, and look for pressure tactics ("act now", "your account will be closed"). Legitimate organisations like HMRC, your bank, or Royal Mail will never ask you to click a link and enter payment details. If in doubt, go directly to the organisation's website by typing the address yourself.