How to spot and report a scam text
Learn the warning signs of a scam text, report it free to 7726, and know exactly what to do if you've clicked a link or lost money.
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your phone
- Your bank's phone number (from the back of your card)
Safety first
- Your bank, the police and HMRC will never text asking you to move money to a 'safe account' or give your PIN or full password.
- Never share a one-time passcode sent to your phone – scammers use it to get into your accounts.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Look for the warning signs
Scam texts often:
- pretend to be a delivery firm, your bank, HMRC, the DVLA, a parking or toll company, or a family member with a 'new number'
- create urgency – 'pay today or…', 'your account will be locked'
- ask you to tap a link, pay a small fee, or share a code, password or bank details
- come from an unknown number or a slightly odd web address
If in doubt, assume it's a scam.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Don't tap the link or reply
Don't click links, call numbers in the message, or reply (even 'STOP'). Real organisations won't mind you checking with them independently.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Check independently
Go to the organisation's official website or app yourself, or ring them on a number you already trust – on the back of your bank card, a bill, or found by searching GOV.UK for government services.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Forward it to 7726
Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM on the keypad). It's free on most UK networks. On iPhone, press and hold the message, tap More, tap the forward arrow, enter 7726 and send. On Android, press and hold the message, tap the menu (three dots), choose Forward, enter 7726 and send. Your network can then block the sender.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Then delete it and block the number
Once forwarded, delete the message and block the sender.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: If you've clicked, paid or shared details
Contact your bank straight away using the number on your card, or call 159, which connects you securely to many UK banks' fraud lines. Then report it to Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) online or on 0300 123 2040, or to Police Scotland on 101 if you're in Scotland. Change any passwords you entered.
Tips
- A message from a 'family member' saying they've lost their phone and need money is a very common scam – call them on their old number to check.
- Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Questions people ask
Does forwarding to 7726 cost anything?
No, it's free on most UK mobile networks.
Is 159 a real number?
Yes. It's run by Stop Scams UK and connects you to your bank's fraud team. Your bank will never call you from 159.
What if I only clicked the link but didn't enter anything?
Close the page, don't enter any details, and keep your phone's software updated. If you entered anything, contact your bank and change passwords.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- National Cyber Security Centre: Report a scam text message (ncsc.gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: What to do if you've been scammed (gov.uk)
- Stop Scams UK: 159 (stopscamsuk.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-spot-and-report-a-scam-text/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.