Spot a fake message
Three checks before you tap a link, and six examples to practise on.
The three checks
- Stop. Scams work by hurry. Take a breath before you do anything.
- Check. Contact the company yourself, using a phone number or website you already trust, such as the one on your bank card or a bill. Do not use the number or link in the message.
- Never share codes or PINs. Not by text, not on the phone, not even if the caller sounds friendly or knows your name.
Warning signs
- It rushes you. "Act within 24 hours or your account closes." Real companies give you time.
- It asks for money, codes or passwords. A bank will never ask for your PIN, full password, or a code sent to you by text.
- It comes from an unexpected place. A package you did not order, a prize from a contest you did not enter, a "tax refund" out of nowhere.
- The link looks slightly off. Look for odd spellings, extra words or strange endings, such as "royalmail-delivery-fee.top".
- It does not use your name. "Dear customer" is a common sign, though careful scammers may use your name too.
- It starts with "Hi Mom". A message from an unknown number claiming to be your child with a new phone, asking for urgent money. Call your child on the number you already have.
- It asks you to keep it secret or to pay with gift cards, bank transfer to a "safe account", or cryptocurrency.
- It makes you feel scared or very excited. Strong feelings are the scammer's tool. Pause when you feel them.
Real or fake? Test yourself
Read each message, then tap your answer. There is no timer and no score to worry about.
Message 1 of 6
USPS: Your package could not be delivered. Pay a $1.99 redelivery fee within 12 hours: usps-redeliver.top/pay
Message 2 of 6
Hi Mom, this is my new number, my phone broke. Can you send me $450 for a bill today? I will pay you back tonight.
Message 3 of 6
Dr. Lee's office: Reminder, you have an appointment tomorrow at 10:30. If you cannot attend, please call the office at the number on our website.
Message 4 of 6
URGENT: Unusual activity on your bank account. Confirm your PIN and the 6-digit code we just sent at secure-bankverify.com to avoid being locked out.
Message 5 of 6
Your verification code is 482 190. Do not share this code with anyone. If you did not request it, ignore this message.
Message 6 of 6
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a $500 grocery gift card. Claim now before it expires: bit.ly/3xYzVoucher
If you already tapped or replied
- Do not panic. This happens to careful people every day.
- If you shared bank details or paid, call your bank straight away on the number on your card and say you think you have been scammed.
- If you typed a password, change it on the real website, and anywhere else you used it.
- Report it. Forward scam texts to 7726 in the UK, or use your country's fraud reporting service. Tell a family member so they are warned too.
Our course Smartphone Confidence 60+ has a lesson on staying safe, and a printable warning-signs card.