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Be Alert for Scams
Be Alert for Scams
Scammers are impersonating the police
Our dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.
Recent tactics to be aware of include scammers impersonating the police, and creating fake crime reference numbers in an attempt to steal your personal and financial details. See the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.
Watch out for fake Tesco websites
Scammers are attempting to con shoppers using fake websites, including impersonations of Amazon, Boots and Tesco. To make the copycat sites appear legitimate, the fraudsters closely mimick the genuine web addresses of the brands, which is a tactic known as typosquatting.
We’ve collected some examples so you can learn how to spot a fake site, plus our experts share six warning signs to look out for.
Be Alert for Scams
Scareware: watch out for these dodgy pop-ups
Scareware is a type of scam that sees pop-ups appear on your phone, tablet or computer screen, which say that your device has been infected with viruses or malware.
These messages are designed to cause panic and trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious website or downloading rogue software onto your device. To avoid getting caught out, see the steps you should take if you experience this.
We want to hear from you
Have you, or someone you know, discovered unwanted subscriptions or direct debits to rogue businesses claiming to sell medical safety or ‘fall’ alarms (such as pendants or bracelets)? Get in touch at yourstory@which.co.uk.
Scam sharer tool
There’s an easy way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
Be Alert for Scams
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. Criminals often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, delivery companies, government departments, or utility providers in order to steal personal information or money. These scams can appear convincing, using official logos, urgent language, and realistic-looking websites.
One of the most common scams involves phishing emails or text messages that ask recipients to click a link and enter personal details. Once the information is submitted, criminals can access bank accounts, steal identities, or carry out further fraud. Phone scams are also common, where callers pretend to be from a bank’s fraud department and persuade victims to transfer money to a “safe” account.
Online marketplace scams have also increased, with fraudsters posing as buyers or sellers and requesting payments outside secure platforms. In many cases, victims only realise they have been targeted when the money has already been transferred.
Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Never share passwords, PIN numbers, or sensitive information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Always verify requests by contacting organisations directly using official contact details. If something feels rushed or suspicious, take time to check before responding.
Reporting scams helps authorities track criminal activity and warn others. Staying informed and cautious is the best defence against modern fraud.
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