Try a different look

How to spot a scam

Scams have got very convincing. Try our quiz of the kinds of messages people in Macclesfield actually get, then keep the red flags and the UK reporting numbers handy.

// QUIZ

Scam or genuine?

Eight examples. Not all of them are scams. All are made up for this quiz, and none of the links or numbers are real.

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// RED FLAGS

The signs to look for

One red flag is enough to stop and check. Scammers rely on you acting before you’ve had time to think.

Hurry up“Within 24 hours”, “your account will be closed”, “act now”. Real organisations give you time.

Out of the blueA parcel you weren’t expecting, a refund you didn’t ask for, a prize for a competition you never entered.

Codes, passwords or PINsNobody genuine will ask you to read out a code sent to your phone, or your full password or PIN.

An odd web addressLook at the address, not the name. Extra words, dashes or strange endings are a giveaway.

Unusual ways to payBank transfer to a “safe account”, gift cards, vouchers or cryptocurrency. Real companies don’t ask for these.

“Don’t tell anyone”Being told to keep it secret from your bank or family is one of the biggest warning signs there is.

Access to your computerA caller asking you to install something so they can “fix” your computer or broadband. Hang up.

Too good to be trueHuge discounts, easy investment returns, or a stranger online who quickly needs money.

// WHAT TO DO

Got a scam? Here’s where to send it

Scam text message7726

Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM on the keypad). It’s free and your mobile network uses it to block the sender.

Scam emailreport@phishing.gov.uk

Forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre, then delete it. Don’t click anything inside it.

Call claiming to be your bank159

Hang up and call 159. It connects you safely to most UK banks, so you know you’re really talking to them.

Lost money or gave details0300 123 2040

Call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud (which replaced Action Fraud) online or on this number. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Let someone onto your computer07745 551731

Unplug it from the internet or turn off Wi-Fi, call your bank, and change your passwords from a different device. Then call us and we’ll check the computer over and remove anything they left behind.

We only ever connect to your computer when you’ve phoned us and asked for help. We will never call you out of the blue asking for access.

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