UK scam guides
UK scams: how to spot them and where to report them
One guide per scam that UK searchers ask about most. Each quotes what the real organisation says it will and won’t do, gives the official reporting route, and shows what visitors to this site have reported. Our visitors have logged 83 reports that match these scams; the most reported in the last 90 days is bank and “safe account” scams.
Bank impersonation and “safe account” scams
Someone claiming to be your bank's fraud team (or the police) says your account is at risk and talks you into moving your money to a “safe account” they control.
39 reports here · 26 in the last 90 days
“Add me on WhatsApp” scam calls and texts
A call, voicemail or text from a number you don't know asks you to add it on WhatsApp, often to “discuss a job opportunity”.
10 reports here · 10 in the last 90 days
HMRC scam texts, calls and emails
Fake HMRC contact comes in three forms: texts and emails offering a tax refund through a link, automated calls saying HMRC is filing a lawsuit and to “press 1”, and callers threatening arrest over unpaid tax.
14 reports here · 8 in the last 90 days
Scam calls claiming to be EE, O2, Vodafone or Three
A caller says they're from your network and offers an early upgrade, a loyalty discount or a SIM replacement.
7 reports here · 7 in the last 90 days
Romance scams
A scammer builds a relationship online, often over months, then needs money: for travel to meet you, a medical emergency, customs fees, or an “investment” they want to share with you.
4 reports here · 4 in the last 90 days
Energy rebate and bill-support scams
Texts, emails and calls offer an energy-bill rebate, an Ofgem refund, a “heating allowance” or a grant, and ask you to apply through a link or give bank details.
3 reports here · 2 in the last 90 days
Royal Mail, Evri and DPD scam texts
A text says a parcel couldn't be delivered, is held for a small fee or needs your address confirmed, and links to a copy of the courier's site.
5 reports here · 1 in the last 90 days
Crypto and investment scams
Fake investment platforms, “mentors” on social media and cold callers promise high or guaranteed returns, often in crypto.
1 report here · 1 in the last 90 days
The “Hi Mum” WhatsApp scam
A message from an unknown number says “Hi Mum” (or Dad), explains they've lost or broken their phone and this is their new number, then asks for money for an urgent bill because their banking app doesn't work on the new phone..
No visitor reports yet
DVLA scam texts and emails
Texts and emails claim your vehicle tax payment failed, your licence needs updating or you're owed a refund, and link to a fake page that collects card and bank details.
No visitor reports yet
NHS scam texts
Scam texts use the NHS name to ask you to pay for a test kit or prescription, “confirm” your details for an appointment, or claim a refund, through a link.
No visitor reports yet
The national picture
- Criminals stole £1.28 billion through payment fraud in 2025 (UK Finance). Source
- Four in ten (40%) UK mobile users said they'd received at least one suspicious message in the past three months (Ofcom, survey February 2026). Source
- The NCSC reports 454.8 thousand scam URLs removed through its reporting services as of July 2026. Source
Had a scam that isn’t here?
Report it or browse 1 scams reported by visitors. Reports are published after moderation, with personal details removed.
Scam guide FAQs
Where do I report a scam in the UK?
Scam texts go to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you've lost money, call your bank (159 connects you safely) and report to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
Where do the report numbers on these guides come from?
From WhoCalledLookup visitors: scam reports sent through our checker, community threads and caller verdicts on number pages, matched to each scam by its brand names and wording. They're user reports, not verified findings.
How much is lost to fraud in the UK?
UK Finance reports that criminals stole £1.28 billion through payment fraud in 2025, up 4% on 2024.