Is this call real?

A landline telephone and a large print address book on a sideboard in a quiet living room

How to help a parent who keeps getting scam calls

Kind, practical ways to support a parent who is getting scam calls, from call blocking to a calm plan for the next call, without taking away their independence.

The EditorsOct 12, 20264 min read

A family kitchen table with a small whiteboard, a pen and a mug, no people visible

How to set a family safe word

A family safe word is a simple way to confirm a caller really is your grandchild or child. How to choose one, share it and use it calmly.

The EditorsOct 5, 20264 min read

Already gave out a code, or let someone into your computer? Do this now.

You gave out a code or let someone into your computer. The steps to take right now, in the right order.

The EditorsSep 21, 20262 min read

An envelope, a phone and a keyboard laid out on a desk

Would a real government agency actually call you like this?

How to tell whether a call from a government agency is real, and what to do if it is not.

The EditorsSep 14, 20262 min read

Topic

Bank scams

A closed front door seen from inside with a small hallway table, a landline telephone and an envelope on it

Bank scams

A caller says a courier will collect your cash, gold or card

A caller sends someone to your door to collect cash, gold or a card "for safekeeping". Why this is a scam, and the simple step that ends it.

The EditorsOct 19, 20264 min read

Bank scams

Bank calls you out of nowhere. Hang up and dial 159 first.

The EditorsAug 31, 20263 min read

A hand placing a phone handset back onto its base

Bank scams

A UAE bank verification message on WhatsApp. Real or not?

The EditorsAug 17, 20263 min read

A person's hands holding a phone showing a chat conversation

Editors' picks

Start here

Topic

Government scams

A Medicare-style paper statement and reading glasses on a kitchen table beside a telephone

A caller asks for your Medicare number. Is it real?

Medicare does not call to sell you anything or ask for your number out of the blue. How to spot the fake call, and who to ring to check.

The EditorsOct 26, 20264 min read

A passport-style folder and a pen on a desk next to a telephone, no faces visible

A call says there is a problem with your visa or immigration case

A caller claims to be from USCIS or immigration and asks for money or details. How these calls work, what the agencies say, and how to check safely.

The EditorsSep 10, 20264 min read

A British landline telephone on a hall table next to a small pile of letters

A call says it is HMRC. How do you know it is real?

A call or voicemail claims to be from HMRC about tax or a pension. How to check it against GOV.UK's own list before you say anything or pay.

The EditorsAug 13, 20264 min read

A stack of paper envelopes and a calculator on a wooden table with a pen

A caller says you owe the IRS. Real or fake?

A call, voicemail or text says you owe back taxes and must pay now. How IRS scams work, what the IRS does not do, and how to check your account safely.

The EditorsJul 30, 20264 min read

Topic

Tech support scams

A tablet showing an email inbox on a kitchen table next to a cup of tea and reading glasses

An email says your subscription renewed. Should you call?

A message says you have been charged for a renewal and must call to cancel. How fake renewal and invoice emails work, and what to do instead of calling.

The EditorsOct 2, 20264 min read

A cardboard parcel and a smartphone on a doorstep mat, no people visible

A call or text says there is a problem with your Amazon account

A caller claims a suspicious Amazon purchase and passes you to your bank or the FTC. How the script runs, and the steps that stop it.

The EditorsSep 16, 20264 min read

A smartphone and a paper receipt lying on a kitchen counter next to a pair of reading glasses

A caller says you are owed a refund. What is really going on?

A call or text offers a refund you did not expect, then asks for access to your computer or your bank. How refund scams work and how to stay safe.

The EditorsAug 27, 20264 min read

A laptop open on a desk showing a plain screen with a coffee cup and notepad beside it

A caller asks to connect to your computer. Say no.

Callers who ask you to install a remote access tool want control of your device and your bank. How the request works, and what to do if you agreed.

The EditorsJul 18, 20264 min read

Topic

Payment scams

A laptop screen showing a simple line chart on a desk with a notepad and pen, no people visible

Payment scams

A stranger offers to manage your crypto. Is it real?

A message from an investment manager or friendly stranger promises crypto profits with little risk. How the scam works and the steps that keep your money safe.

The EditorsNov 2, 20264 min read

Payment scams

A recruiter texts you a job offer you never applied for

The EditorsSep 30, 20264 min read

A laptop and a printed job advert on a table next to a cup of coffee, no faces visible

Payment scams

A rental listing looks too good. How to check it

The EditorsSep 24, 20263 min read

A set of house keys and a printed lease on a wooden table, no people visible

Topic

Family and romance scams

A donation envelope and a pen on a kitchen table beside a telephone

A caller or text asks for a donation. How to check the charity

Pressure to donate by phone, text or gift card is a sign of a charity scam. A simple way to check a charity, pay safely and report a fake.

The EditorsNov 6, 20263 min read

A smartphone on a sofa cushion with its screen showing an incoming call, no faces visible

A call sounds exactly like your son or grandchild. Is it cloned?

Scammers can copy a voice from a short clip and use it in a family emergency call. How the call goes, what the FBI and FTC advise, and how to check.

The EditorsOct 8, 20264 min read

A smartphone showing a messaging app and a cup of tea on a bedside table, no faces visible

An online friend asks for money. Is it a romance scam?

Someone you met online is warm, attentive and always has a reason they cannot meet. How romance scams work and why you should never send money.

The EditorsAug 11, 20264 min read

An older person's hands holding a smartphone

A grandchild called saying they're in trouble. Here's how to tell if it's real.

A grandchild calls in trouble and asks for money. How to tell if it is real, and the code word that protects your family.

The EditorsAug 3, 20263 min read

Topic

Code and verification scams