Is this text message a scam?

Scam texts, also called smishing, look more convincing every year. They often copy the name of a real bank, delivery company or government department. If you are unsure about a message, the checklist below helps you decide before you do anything.

Signs a text is probably a scam

• It creates urgency. Phrases like "act now", "your account will be closed" or "final notice" are designed to make you rush.
• It contains a link you did not expect. Real companies rarely ask you to log in or pay through a link in a text.
• It comes from an unknown number or an unusual mobile number, but claims to be from a big organisation.
• It asks for personal details, a code, a password or a card number.
• It offers money or a prize, a refund you were not expecting, or a fine you do not recognise.
• It has spelling or wording mistakes, although some scam texts are written very well.
• It starts with "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" from a new number and asks for money. This is a common family impersonation scam.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or reply, even to say stop.
2. Contact the organisation yourself, by typing its website into your browser or using its official app. Do not use any phone number or link in the message.
3. Forward the text for free to 7726. This lets your network provider investigate and block it.
4. Delete the message and block the number.

If you already tapped the link

Do not panic. Read our guide on what to do if you clicked a scam link, as the first few minutes matter.

Check a message in seconds

With VerovaShield you can paste any text, email or link into the app and see whether it looks genuine before you act. On iPhone, Text Shield can also filter spam and scam texts for you.