What to do about a scam call, text or message

If you think you’ve received a scam call, text or message, the most important thing is not to engage with it. Don’t reply, click any links, press any buttons or share personal or financial details.

What you do next depends on your situation:

• I have received a suspicious call
• I have received a suspicious text or message
• I have already shared information or sent money
• I feel threatened or unsafe
• I received a missed call from a number I don't recognise

  I have received a suspicious call

• Hang up if you have any suspicion it might be a scam.
• Don’t call back if you don’t recognise the number: especially numbers beginning 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118, which can be premium-rate and which could result in high call costs.
• Pause for thought - take time to think before calling or taking any action and consider whether you are being pressured by someone who is not who they claim to be.
• Only use phone numbers you have checked - if the caller claims to be from a particular organisation, only call them back using a number from that organisation’s official website or your account statement, not the number the caller gave you
• Forward the phone number to 7726 if you believe the call was a scam - this service is free to use and alerts your mobile provider to investigate and potentially block the number.

Some phones, apps and providers might warn you if a call looks like spam or a possible scam. These warnings can help, but they are not always right. Hang up if you’re unsure about a call you’ve answered, or ideally don’t answer it at all.

You might also be able to block or report the number using your phone’s settings or call-screening service. Call-screening features might be included with your mobile phone, such as Apple’s Screen Unknown Callers, or Samsung’s Smart Call, or available from apps such as Hiya or Truecaller.

Remember: Ofcom will never call you out of the blue and will never ask for your bank or personal details. A call claiming to be from Ofcom is a scam.

 I have received a suspicious text or message

• Do not click any links in the message.
• Do not reply, even to opt out — if the sender is unknown, replying confirms your number is active.
• Report the message by forwarding suspicious SMS texts to 7726 (free of charge) so your mobile provider can investigate and block the number, or use your phone's built-in reporting features.
• Delete the message from your phone.

Types of messages

There are different types of messages you might receive on your mobile. Below we explain what you can do about each:

• SMS texts are standard mobile text messages sent through the mobile network - you normally access these using the iMessage app (iPhone) or Google Messages (Android).
• Rich Communications Services (RCS) messages are also sent through your phone’s messaging app that can look like normal texts, but might include features such as read receipts, typing indicators and higher-quality photos.
• iMessage is Apple’s messaging service, used between Apple devices.
• Messages sent through services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal.

How to report messages

You can report text messages (including SMS, RCS and iMessages) using built-in features on your phone. You can also forward suspicious text messages (SMS) to 7726. Where possible, it is helpful to do both to ensure both the app provider and your phone company can take action.

If you received the message through an app such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal, use the app’s own features to block and report the message. You cannot usually forward these app messages to 7726.

 I have already shared information or sent money

Act quickly, if you think you’ve been scammed.

1. Contact your bank or card provider immediately
   
   Call the number on the back of your card, use your bank’s website or app, or if your bank supports it, call 159 to be connected safely to your bank. They might be able to stop a payment or recover funds.
   
   
2. Report the scam
   
   Report to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
   
   
3. Contact your mobile provider
   
   If you clicked a link or installed something on your phone, contact your mobile provider. Avoid using banking apps on the device until you’re sure it is safe.

 I feel threatened or unsafe

If you’re receiving threatening calls

Abusive, threatening or harassing calls are a criminal offence. If you’re not in immediate danger but are receiving threatening calls, call your phone company straight away and ask for their nuisance or malicious calls team. They can take steps to help protect you. Also report the calls to the police by calling 101.

If you’ve been affected by a scam

For free, confidential support if you have been affected by a scam, contact Citizens Advice online or call 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland online or call 0808 164 6000.

  I received a missed call from a number I don't recognise

Think before calling back. Some scam calls ring once and hang up, hoping you will return the call. If you do, you could be connected to a premium-rate number and charged. These are sometimes called Wangiri scams.

• Be especially careful with numbers starting 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118, and unfamiliar international numbers.
• If you’re unsure, do not call back. Search the number online first as scam numbers are often flagged by other people.
• If you think you have been charged for making calls because of a scam, contact your phone company and report it to Report Fraud (or Police Scotland on 101 if you live in Scotland).