How to spot a scam text: a simple guide for older people

Scam texts pretend to be from a delivery company, your bank, the NHS or HMRC. They're designed to rush you. Here's how to spot them and what to do.

Five warning signs

1. It's urgent. "Your account will be closed today" or "Pay now to avoid a fine." Real organisations rarely rush you like this.
2. It asks you to tap a link. Especially to pay a small fee, such as a "redelivery charge" for a parcel.
3. It asks for personal details. Your bank will never text you asking for your PIN, passwords or full card number.
4. Something looks slightly wrong. Odd spelling, a strange web address, or a message from an ordinary mobile number.
5. It's from "family" on a new number. "Hi Mum, I've broken my phone, this is my new number" followed by a request for money is a common scam.

What to do

• Don't tap any links and don't reply.
• Forward the text to 7726. It's free, and it helps your phone company block the sender.
• If it claims to be your bank, call 159 or the number on the back of your card, never a number in the message.
• If a "family member" asks for money, call them on the number you already have before doing anything.
• Then delete the message.

If you've already replied or paid

Don't panic, and don't be embarrassed: these scams catch people of every age. Call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card. Then report it to Report Fraud, the national fraud reporting service, at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.

Scam emails

The same warning signs apply. You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk before deleting them.

Want someone to go through your phone and check for anything suspicious? Our tech help visits include a scam check, and we offer free talks for community groups.