Protect Yourself: Scams, Fraud & Financial Safety Guide

Overview

If You Think You Are Being Scammed Right Now

Stop. Do not click links, send money, share codes, or give bank details.

If money has left your account, contact your bank immediately using the number on your bank card or banking app. You can also call 159 to be connected safely to many UK banks.

Report fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to Report Fraud online or by phone on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. If there is immediate danger, call 999.

Main Scam Warning Signs

Be careful if someone:

• Pressures you to act quickly
• Says “do not tell anyone”
• Asks for bank details, PINs, passwords, or one-time passcodes
• Asks you to move money to a “safe account”
• Offers guaranteed investment returns
• Claims you owe money urgently
• Says your benefits, tax, parcel, bank, or internet will be stopped
• Contacts you unexpectedly by phone, text, email, WhatsApp, social media, or doorstep visit

The FCA says scammers may pretend to be trusted organisations, and the FCA will never ask for bank PINs, passwords, or ask you to transfer money to them.

Common Scams

1. Bank Scams

A scammer may pretend to be your bank and say your money is at risk.

What to say:

I will not discuss this now. I will contact my bank using the official number on my card.

Never move money because someone tells you it is a “safe account”.

2. Benefits, DWP or HMRC Scams

Scammers may send fake messages saying you are owed money, must update details, or your benefits will stop.

Use official websites only:

• GOV.UK benefits: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
• Universal Credit: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
• HMRC: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs

What to say:

I will check this through my official online account or contact the organisation directly.

3. Investment, Pension & Crypto Scams

Warning signs include “guaranteed returns”, pressure to invest quickly, celebrity adverts, crypto offers, or pension release offers.

Check firms on the FCA Warning List and Firm Checker before investing.

Useful link:

• FCA protect yourself from scams: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams

4. Romance, Friendship & Dating Scams

Someone may build trust and then ask for money, gift cards, travel costs, medical help, or emergency support.

What to say:

I cannot send money or financial information. I need to verify this independently.

Never send money to someone you have not met or cannot verify.

5. Disability Equipment or Medical Scams

Be careful with fake adverts for mobility aids, medication, hearing aids, grants, miracle cures, or private treatment.

Check:

• NHS advice: https://www.nhs.uk
• GOV.UK health information: https://www.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice consumer support: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

6. Housing, Repairs & Doorstep Scams

Scammers may claim urgent repairs are needed or ask for deposits for fake properties.

What to say:

I do not agree to work or payment today. Please leave written information.

For housing advice:

• Shelter: https://www.shelter.org.uk
• Shelter helpline: 0808 800 4444

How to Report Scams

Fraud or Cyber Crime

Report to Report Fraud:

• Website: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk
• Phone: 0300 123 2040

Report Fraud can provide a crime reference number, which may help when speaking to your bank.

Suspicious Emails

Forward scam emails to:

• report@phishing.gov.uk

The National Cyber Security Centre says you can forward suspicious emails even if you are not completely sure they are scams.

Scam Texts

Forward scam texts free to:

• 7726

Most UK phone providers use 7726 to investigate and block scam senders.

Citizens Advice Scam Help

• Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133
• Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Citizens Advice can help with scams, consumer problems, and what to do after being targeted.

How to Protect Yourself

Use this simple rule:

Stop – Check – Ask – Report

Stop: do not rush.
Check: use official contact details, not links in messages.
Ask: speak to someone trusted before sending money.
Report: report suspicious contact.

Practical Safety Steps

• Use strong passwords
• Turn on two-factor authentication
• Do not share one-time passcodes
• Keep phone and computer updates switched on
• Do not click unexpected links
• Check website addresses carefully
• Use official apps and websites
• Keep records of messages and calls
• Screenshot suspicious messages
• Block scam callers after reporting

If You Have Already Sent Money or Details

Act quickly:

1. Contact your bank immediately.
2. Ask them to stop payments and investigate fraud.
3. Change passwords.
4. Report to Report Fraud.
5. Forward scam emails/texts.
6. Contact Citizens Advice for further help.
7. Monitor bank accounts and credit reports.

What to say to your bank:

I believe I have been the victim of a scam. Please freeze any suspicious activity, investigate the payment, and tell me what refund protection may apply.

Financial Help & Debt Support

If a scam has caused money problems, free help is available.

StepChange Debt Charity

• Website: https://www.stepchange.org
• Phone: 0800 138 1111

National Debtline

• Website: https://www.nationaldebtline.org
• Phone: 0808 808 4000

Citizens Advice

• Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Disability Accessible Support

You can ask organisations for:

• Easy Read information
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio
• British Sign Language support
• Text Relay
• Email instead of phone calls
• Extra time
• Support worker, carer, advocate, or trusted person involvement

NHS accessible information guidance:

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/accessibleinfo/

General disability rights:

• Equality Act guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Advocacy & Disability Support

Scope

• Helpline: 0808 800 3333
• Website: https://www.scope.org.uk

Disability Rights UK

• Website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

VoiceAbility

• Phone: 0300 303 1660
• Website: https://www.voiceability.org

POhWER

• Phone: 0300 456 2370
• Website: https://www.pohwer.net

Useful Phrases

If someone phones unexpectedly

I do not discuss money or personal information on unexpected calls. I will contact the organisation directly.

If someone pressures you

I need time to check this. I will not make a decision today.

If someone asks for codes

I will not share passwords, PINs, or security codes.

If you need accessible support

I am disabled and need reasonable adjustments. Please provide information in an accessible format and allow extra time.

If reporting a scam

I believe I have been targeted by fraud. I have screenshots, phone numbers, messages, and payment details available.

Quick Checklist

✓ Never share PINs, passwords, or security codes
✓ Do not move money to a “safe account”
✓ Use official websites and phone numbers
✓ Forward scam texts to 7726
✓ Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
✓ Report fraud to 0300 123 2040 or Report Fraud online
✓ Contact your bank immediately if money is involved
✓ Ask for accessible formats and reasonable adjustments
✓ Get free debt advice if money problems follow

The most important thing: do not feel embarrassed. Scammers are professional criminals. Reporting helps protect you and other people.