Scam safety guides
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SIM Swap Fraud: How Criminals Hijack Your Phone Number and How to Stop Them
Most people don’t think of their mobile number as something that can be stolen — but SIM swap fraud does exactly that, and once a criminal controls your number, they can use it to work through the security checks protecting your bank accounts, email and social media, one by one. How SIM swap fraud actually…
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AI Voice Cloning and Deepfake Scams: Protecting Yourself From the Newest Fraud Tactic
For years, the advice to spot a scam call included listening for things that didn’t sound quite right — a stranger’s voice, an unfamiliar accent, hesitation. AI voice cloning technology has started to remove that safety net, making it possible to convincingly recreate a familiar voice from a very small amount of audio. What the…
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Charity Scams: How to Verify a Charity Before You Donate
Charity fraud is a particularly unpleasant category of scam because it exploits genuine generosity, often around disasters, appeals or seasonal giving when people are most inclined to give quickly without stopping to check. The good news is that verifying a charity is genuine takes only a few minutes, using free official tools. Check the charity…
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Holiday Let and Rental Scams: How to Spot Fake Listings Before You Pay
Whether you’re booking a summer holiday let or searching for a long-term rental, the same basic scam pattern shows up again and again: a listing that looks completely genuine, a landlord who seems reasonable, and pressure to pay a deposit before you’ve had a proper chance to check anything. How the scam typically works According…
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Social Media and Marketplace Scams: Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops and Fake Sellers
Buying and selling on social media and online marketplaces has become completely normal — which is exactly why it’s become such fertile ground for fraud. Fake listings, non-existent products and sellers who vanish after payment are common enough that it’s worth knowing the specific red flags before you hand over any money. How these scams…
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Holiday and Travel Booking Scams: How to Book Safely
ABTA and Action Fraud warn of rising holiday booking fraud, including fake ABTA/ATOL branding. What to check before you pay for flights or accommodation.
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QR Code Scams (‘Quishing’): How They Work and How to Stay Safe
The NCSC warns of rising ‘quishing’ attacks using QR codes in phishing emails. What to know about QR code risks and how to scan safely.
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Passwords, Two-Factor Authentication and What to Do After a Data Breach
NCSC guidance on building strong passwords with three random words, why 2FA matters, and the practical steps to take if your accounts are caught in a data breach.
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Protecting Elderly Relatives from Scams: Practical Steps for Families
Age UK estimates four people aged 50+ are scammed in England and Wales every minute. Practical, non-patronising ways families can help protect older relatives.
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Online Shopping and Delivery Scams: How to Shop Safely and Spot Fakes
Action Fraud reports online shoppers have lost tens of millions of pounds to fake stores and non-delivery fraud. Practical steps to shop safely and spot fake listings.