How to protect yourself from scam calls, texts and messages

Phones and broadband Scam calls and messages Advice for consumers
Published: 15 July 2026

Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be a target But there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. This page covers what to do in the moment, how to set up longer-term protections, and how to help others stay safe.

When you receive a suspicious call or message

  1. Stop - Do not reply, click links, press buttons or share personal details. Take a moment before doing anything.
  2. Check - Does something feel wrong? Look for urgency, unexpected requests or suspicious links. If unsure, end the call or ignore the message.
  3. Report - Forward suspicious texts to 7726. Report scam calls to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or, in Scotland, Police Scotland (101).

For calls

  • Do not give personal details like your name, address, date of birth, bank details, PIN, passwords or National Insurance number, to anyone who calls you unexpectedly.
  • Hang up if you have any doubt about who is calling. You can always call back.
  • Do not be rushed. Scammers use urgency to stop you thinking clearly. A genuine caller will always give you time.

Call the organisation back using a number from their official website or on their published number, not the number the caller gave you.

Even if a caller knows details about you, this does not mean they are genuine, scammers obtain personal information from data breaches and public sources.

For texts and messages

  • Do not click links in unexpected texts, even if they appear to come from someone you recognise.
  • Do not reply to texts from unknown senders - it confirms your number is active.

Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free of charge). This alerts your provider, who can investigate and block the number.

If a text asks you to verify payment or log in, go directly to the organisation's website  - do not use any links you’ve been sent.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Genuine callers will not pressure you to act immediately or ask you to keep a call secret. It is always safe to hang up.

Protect your personal details. Never give out your personal information to anyone who is calling you, especially if it is an unexpected call. Avoid giving your contact details online, and if you have to provide them, for example for a delivery, make sure you check the marketing ‘opt-out’ button, and do not give your permission to be contacted afterwards.

How to check if a call or message is genuine

  1. End the call or ignore the message and contact the organisation directly using a number from their website.
  2. Check the number. Search the phone number or sender name online - many scam numbers are reported by other people.
  3. Ask the caller to verify themselves. A legitimate caller can give a reference number and a call-back number. Look the number up independently before using it.
  4. For investment offers, check whether the firm is authorised at the Financial Conduct Authority before taking any action.
  5. Talk to someone you trust before doing anything. Scammers often try to discourage you from doing this.

Blocking, filtering and screening tools

On your mobile phone

  • Most smartphones let you block specific numbers from your call log or messages.
  • Some smartphones can even screen unknown callers, helping you see who is calling and why before you answer, or filtering suspected spam calls automatically.
  • Many phones have built-in spam filters for calls and texts — check they are switched on in your settings.
  • Some providers offer network-level filtering that blocks known scam numbers before they reach you. Contact your provider to find out what is available.
  • Only use call-blocking apps from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.

On your landline

  • Caller display, or ‘caller ID’, landline features can help you decide whether to answer, but even if they’re enabled your phone will not always show a number. And remember, scammers can fake the number that appears – this is number spoofing.
  • Many landline providers also offer call-blocking or filtering features, including anonymous call rejection. Contact your provider to find out what is available.
  • Call-blocking handsets can block withheld numbers or numbers not in your contacts which may be particularly useful for older or more vulnerable people.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) free online or by calling 0345 070 0707. This tells legitimate marketers you do not want sales calls. It will not block scam calls.

For texts and emails

  • Your mobile network might offer spam text filtering — contact them to find out.
  • Report spam texts to 7726 to help your provider block scam numbers.
  • Use your email provider's junk or spam filter and report unwanted marketing emails to the  Information Commissioner’s Office online, or call 0303 123 1113  

Helping someone else stay safe

Scammers often target older people, those living alone, or anyone who might be more vulnerable. If you know someone who might be at risk, there are things you can do to help.

  • Talk to them about common scams and the warning signs.
  • Help them set up call-blocking tools on their mobile or home phone.
  • Encourage them to check with you, or another trusted person, before sending money or sharing details with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly.
  • Help them to report suspicious contact — forward texts to 7726 (or contact their phone company) and report scams to Report Fraud (or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland).
  • If you think someone is being actively targeted or has been scammed, contact their bank immediately and report it to the police.

Citizens Advice provides free support for people affected by scams: 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm. In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

Further information and resources

These organisations provide additional advice on scam awareness and prevention:

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