Scam texts in the UK: how to spot and report them
Most UK scam texts copy a courier, HMRC or your bank, and push you to act before you think. Here's what they look like and where to report them.
Common scams in the UK
- Parcel held, small fee to pay
"Your parcel couldn't be delivered. Pay £1.45 to rebook:" and a link, pretending to be Royal Mail, Evri or DPD.
The tell: A tiny fee and a link. Check the tracking in the courier's own app instead; the link is there to take your card details.
More about this scam - HMRC tax refund or penalty
"You are due a tax refund" or "you owe a penalty", with a link to claim or pay.
The tell: Tax refunds don't come by text link. Forward the text to 60599 so HMRC can shut it down.
More about this scam - Your bank, about a payment you didn't make
"A new payee was added" or "a payment of £780 is pending", then a number to call. On the call they ask you to move money somewhere safe.
The tell: Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account". Hang up and call 159, which reaches most UK banks' fraud teams.
More about this scam - "Hi Mum, I've lost my phone"
A message from a new number, from someone who sounds like your child, asking you to pay a bill for them urgently.
The tell: Call your child on their usual number before sending anything.
More about this scam - Energy or council tax refund
"You're owed a rebate on your energy bill", with a link to claim it.
The tell: Refunds go back to how you pay. Log in to your supplier's or council's own website to check.
Already clicked, paid or shared details?
If you've paid or given bank details, call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card.
Where to report it in the UK
- Scam or spam text: forward it free to 7726
- Text pretending to be HMRC: forward it to 60599
- Worried someone has your bank details: call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team
- Lost money or gave details (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk
- Lost money or gave details (Scotland): Police Scotland on 101
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
Warning signs, anywhere
- It's urgent: your account closes today, a parcel is returned tonight, the police are on their way.
- It has a link to pay a small fee, or to "confirm" your details.
- It asks for a PIN, password or one-time code. No real organisation needs these from you.
- A family member is texting from a new number and needs money now.
- It's too good to be true: a prize you didn't enter, a job with no interview, money that doubles.
- It wants payment in gift cards, crypto or a transfer to a "safe" account.
- It asks you to keep it secret, or not to tell your bank.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Help someone else avoid it
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before. Share this guide with your family or group chat.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.