Be Alert for Scams
Be Alert for Scams
Scam Alerts
Our latest scam warningsOur dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.
Recent tactics to be aware of include a DPD delivery text scam and fraudsters exploiting the Financial Conduct Authority’s car finance compensation scheme. Check out the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.See the trending scamsWhat I learned as a scambaiterScambaiting is the practice of attempting to turn the tables on scam callers by intentionally wasting their time or otherwise toying with them. But while scambaiting is rising in popularity, many methods are unethical, can put you at risk, and won’t stop the next scam call.
Our expert tried it out herself. Here’s what she learned – and why you shouldn’t try it at home.What you need to know about scambaitingScamwatch: ‘A fraudster in the US is using my name and email’We spoke to one consumer whose name and email address were used by a fraudster to open accounts and make purchases with retailers in the US. After they struggled to get the fraudulent accounts closed, our experts advised them on how to navigate the situation.
Read on for our expert advice on how to report identity fraud, plus four steps to follow to avoid becoming a victim.Don’t become a victim of identity fraudScam sharer toolThere’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.Scam sharer toolStay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
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Be Alert for Scams
Fake British Gas calls and other energy scams
As energy prices are set to increase, scammers are impersonating British Gas through cold calls. Worryingly, some call recipients noted that the caller knew personal information about them.
Energy scams are popular among fraudsters, so it pays to keep up to date with the latest tactics – find out about the most recent examples we’ve seen and how you can avoid and report them.
HMRC scams are circulating
The tax year ends on 5 April, and as always, scammers are attempting to take advantage of this increase in activity by impersonating HMRC.
Take a look at some of the most common HMRC scams, and listen to real voicemails from scammers, so you can be prepared should they contact you.
How to spot fake or fraudulent websites
Fraudsters can create fake websites that appear extremely convincing to the untrained eye. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in sites impersonating WhatsApp, encouraging users to download fraudulent apps or visit dangerous links via text, email and ads.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, and nine expert-approved ways to spot whether a website is a scam or the real deal.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Free tools to stop scammers
Scams are constantly evolving, so it pays to stay one step ahead. But you don’t need to download expensive software to protect yourself – many of the most useful anti-scam tools are already built into your phone and online accounts.
A few small changes will make a big difference. We run you through how to use these free tools and reduce your risk of being scammed.
10 things every smartphone owner should do now
Smartphones help us communicate, make payments on the move and store sensitive data. As a result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial.
It takes just a few minutes to make some tweaks to your device settings that will have a huge impact. Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up some tips to keep your phone secure.
If you’d benefit from 1-to-1 help with your smartphone or other tech products, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer and get 50% off a Tech annual membership for the first year. Offer ends 6 April.
How to use public wi-fi safely
Public wi-fi hotspots are convenient when you’re out and about, but be careful to keep your data safe. For starters, you’ll need to be wary of nosy onlookers peering at your screen if you’re in a bustling café. But there are plenty of other ways to keep your information private.
We share eight security tips for phone and laptop users, including how to check whether a network is safe to join.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
…………………………………………………………………..
Scammers are impersonating the police
Our dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.
Recent tactics to be aware of include scammers impersonating the police, and creating fake crime reference numbers in an attempt to steal your personal and financial details. See the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.
Watch out for fake Tesco websites
Scammers are attempting to con shoppers using fake websites, including impersonations of Amazon, Boots and Tesco. To make the copycat sites appear legitimate, the fraudsters closely mimick the genuine web addresses of the brands, which is a tactic known as typosquatting.
We’ve collected some examples so you can learn how to spot a fake site, plus our experts share six warning signs to look out for.
Be Alert for Scams
Scareware: watch out for these dodgy pop-ups
Scareware is a type of scam that sees pop-ups appear on your phone, tablet or computer screen, which say that your device has been infected with viruses or malware.
These messages are designed to cause panic and trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious website or downloading rogue software onto your device. To avoid getting caught out, see the steps you should take if you experience this.
We want to hear from you
Have you, or someone you know, discovered unwanted subscriptions or direct debits to rogue businesses claiming to sell medical safety or ‘fall’ alarms (such as pendants or bracelets)? Get in touch at yourstory@which.co.uk.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
Be Alert for Scams
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. Criminals often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, delivery companies, government departments, or utility providers in order to steal personal information or money. These scams can appear convincing, using official logos, urgent language, and realistic-looking websites.
One of the most common scams involves phishing emails or text messages that ask recipients to click a link and enter personal details. Once the information is submitted, criminals can access bank accounts, steal identities, or carry out further fraud. Phone scams are also common, where callers pretend to be from a bank’s fraud department and persuade victims to transfer money to a “safe” account.
Online marketplace scams have also increased, with fraudsters posing as buyers or sellers and requesting payments outside secure platforms. In many cases, victims only realise they have been targeted when the money has already been transferred.
Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Never share passwords, PIN numbers, or sensitive information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Always verify requests by contacting organisations directly using official contact details. If something feels rushed or suspicious, take time to check before responding.
Reporting scams helps authorities track criminal activity and warn others. Staying informed and cautious is the best defence against modern fraud.
Fake British Gas calls and other energy scams
As energy prices are set to increase, scammers are impersonating British Gas through cold calls. Worryingly, some call recipients noted that the caller knew personal information about them.
Energy scams are popular among fraudsters, so it pays to keep up to date with the latest tactics – find out about the most recent examples we’ve seen and how you can avoid and report them.
HMRC scams are circulating
The tax year ends on 5 April, and as always, scammers are attempting to take advantage of this increase in activity by impersonating HMRC.
Take a look at some of the most common HMRC scams, and listen to real voicemails from scammers, so you can be prepared should they contact you.
How to spot fake or fraudulent websites
Fraudsters can create fake websites that appear extremely convincing to the untrained eye. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in sites impersonating WhatsApp, encouraging users to download fraudulent apps or visit dangerous links via text, email and ads.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, and nine expert-approved ways to spot whether a website is a scam or the real deal.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Free tools to stop scammers
Scams are constantly evolving, so it pays to stay one step ahead. But you don’t need to download expensive software to protect yourself – many of the most useful anti-scam tools are already built into your phone and online accounts.
A few small changes will make a big difference. We run you through how to use these free tools and reduce your risk of being scammed.
10 things every smartphone owner should do now
Smartphones help us communicate, make payments on the move and store sensitive data. As a result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial.
It takes just a few minutes to make some tweaks to your device settings that will have a huge impact. Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up some tips to keep your phone secure.
If you’d benefit from 1-to-1 help with your smartphone or other tech products, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer and get 50% off a Tech annual membership for the first year. Offer ends 6 April.
How to use public wi-fi safely
Public wi-fi hotspots are convenient when you’re out and about, but be careful to keep your data safe. For starters, you’ll need to be wary of nosy onlookers peering at your screen if you’re in a bustling café. But there are plenty of other ways to keep your information private.
We share eight security tips for phone and laptop users, including how to check whether a network is safe to join.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
…………………………………………………………………..
Scammers are impersonating the police
Our dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.
Recent tactics to be aware of include scammers impersonating the police, and creating fake crime reference numbers in an attempt to steal your personal and financial details. See the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.
Watch out for fake Tesco websites
Scammers are attempting to con shoppers using fake websites, including impersonations of Amazon, Boots and Tesco. To make the copycat sites appear legitimate, the fraudsters closely mimick the genuine web addresses of the brands, which is a tactic known as typosquatting.
We’ve collected some examples so you can learn how to spot a fake site, plus our experts share six warning signs to look out for.
Be Alert for Scams
Scareware: watch out for these dodgy pop-ups
Scareware is a type of scam that sees pop-ups appear on your phone, tablet or computer screen, which say that your device has been infected with viruses or malware.
These messages are designed to cause panic and trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious website or downloading rogue software onto your device. To avoid getting caught out, see the steps you should take if you experience this.
We want to hear from you
Have you, or someone you know, discovered unwanted subscriptions or direct debits to rogue businesses claiming to sell medical safety or ‘fall’ alarms (such as pendants or bracelets)? Get in touch at yourstory@which.co.uk.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
Be Alert for Scams
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. Criminals often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, delivery companies, government departments, or utility providers in order to steal personal information or money. These scams can appear convincing, using official logos, urgent language, and realistic-looking websites.
One of the most common scams involves phishing emails or text messages that ask recipients to click a link and enter personal details. Once the information is submitted, criminals can access bank accounts, steal identities, or carry out further fraud. Phone scams are also common, where callers pretend to be from a bank’s fraud department and persuade victims to transfer money to a “safe” account.
Online marketplace scams have also increased, with fraudsters posing as buyers or sellers and requesting payments outside secure platforms. In many cases, victims only realise they have been targeted when the money has already been transferred.
Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Never share passwords, PIN numbers, or sensitive information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Always verify requests by contacting organisations directly using official contact details. If something feels rushed or suspicious, take time to check before responding.
Reporting scams helps authorities track criminal activity and warn others. Staying informed and cautious is the best defence against modern fraud.
