- You've had a call, text, email or pop-up you're not sure about
- You want to know the warning signs
- You think you may have been scammed
- If you've just given money or bank details: skip straight to If you think you've been scammed. Speed matters.
The warning signs
If someone contacts you out of the blue and asks you to do something with money, passwords or your computer: stop. Hang up or don't reply. Then contact the company yourself using a number you already trust (on your card, bill or their official website).
- Pressure and panic: "Act now or your account will be closed", "Your computer is infected", "Police will arrest you".
- Asking you to move money to a "safe account". Real banks never do this.
- Asking for codes sent to your phone, your PIN or full passwords.
- Asking you to install something so they can "fix" your computer (AnyDesk, TeamViewer and similar).
- Unusual ways to pay: gift cards, vouchers, cryptocurrency, bank transfer to a person.
- Keep it secret: "Don't tell the bank why you're moving the money."
- Too good to be true: refunds, prizes, investments with guaranteed returns.
Common UK scams right now
| Scam | What it looks like | The truth |
|---|---|---|
| Bank "fraud team" call | Your bank says your account is at risk and you must move money to a safe account | Banks never ask you to move money. Hang up, call 159 |
| Tech support call | "Microsoft", "BT" or "your broadband" says your computer is hacked or your internet will be cut off | They never cold call about this. Hang up |
| Fake virus pop-up | Screen says your computer is infected and to call a number | It's a web page, not a virus. How to close it |
| Delivery text | Royal Mail, Evri or DPD say a parcel needs a small fee | Fake link to steal card details. Delete it |
| "Hi Mum" / "Hi Dad" | WhatsApp from a new number: "I've lost my phone, can you pay this bill?" | Call your child on their usual number first |
| HMRC / tax refund | Text or email saying you're owed a refund | HMRC doesn't send refunds by text or email link |
| Courier fraud | "Police" or "bank" say a courier will collect your card or cash | No real police or bank ever does this |
| Investment / romance | A new online friend or advert with amazing returns | Never send money to someone you haven't met |
How to check safely
-
Hang up or don't reply
It's not rude. A genuine organisation will be happy for you to check.
-
Use a number you already trust
Call your bank on 159 (connects you to most UK banks safely) or the number on the back of your card. For other companies, use the number on a bill or their official website. Never use a number the caller, text or pop-up gave you.
If you can, call back from a different phone, or wait a few minutes before calling, in case the scammer is still on the line. -
Talk to someone
A quick chat with family, a friend or me often breaks the spell. Scammers rely on keeping you isolated and rushed.
How to report scam messages
- Scam texts: forward them to 7726 (free). Your network investigates and can block the sender.
- Scam emails: forward to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Scam calls: text 7726 with the word "Call" and the number that called you.
If you think you've been scammed
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Call your bank straight away
Call 159 or the number on your card, any time, day or night. Tell them what happened. The sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping or recovering the money.
Since October 2024, UK banks must usually refund people tricked into making a bank transfer (up to £85,000), as long as it's reported within 13 months. Card payments may be recoverable too. Don't be embarrassed to report it. -
If they had access to your computer
Switch off your WiFi or unplug the internet cable. Don't use the computer for banking until it has been checked. Uninstall any program they asked you to install.
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Change your passwords
From a different device, change your email password first (email lets people reset everything else), then online banking, then other accounts. Password guide
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Report it
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Report Fraud, 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk (this replaced Action Fraud).
Scotland: Police Scotland on 101.
If you're in danger or it's happening now, call 999.
- Anyone has had remote access to your computer: have it checked before using it for banking
- You're being pressured right now: hang up, it's always OK to hang up
Still stuck? I'm happy to help.
If this didn't sort it, or you'd rather not do it yourself, get in touch. I cover Sheffield S20 and the surrounding areas.
Did this guide help? These guides are free for everyone. If it saved you a call-out, you can say thanks with a coffee.
Buy me a coffeeThese guides are general advice for home users, checked in September 2026. Menus can differ slightly between versions of Windows and between phone makers. If something looks different or you're unsure, stop and ask rather than guessing. Parmar Tech Solutions can't accept responsibility for problems caused by following these steps, so please back up anything important first.