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• Your scam stories

  “Hi Mum” SMS Impersonation Scam

  A familiar-sounding text from a new number shows how scammers can exploit family trust and urgency.

• Blog & scam alerts

  A New Twist on an Old Trick: The Fake Banking App Scam

  Understand how a fake banking app can be used to make a payment appear genuine.

• Information & listings

  About BeScamAware

  Practical scam-awareness information to help people recognise scams, understand the tactics and decide what to do next.

• Information & listings

  Acceptable Use Policy

  Guidance on acceptable use of BeScamAware and its resources.

• Information & listings

  Accessibility

  How we aim to make BeScamAware usable and how to tell us about an accessibility problem.

• Scam examples

  Account Suspension

  A fake message claiming your account will be suspended unless you take action.

• Information & listings

  Advice

  Simple, clear guidance to help you spot scams, protect your information and stay in control.

• Advice & guidance

  Avoiding Door-to-Door Scams and Rogue Traders

  Recognise suspicious doorstep offers and the warning signs of dishonest traders.

• Advice & guidance

  Avoiding Social Media Scams: Fake Profiles, Giveaways, and More

  Recognise misleading profiles, giveaways and requests on social media.

• Scam methods

  Bait and Switch Scams

  Enticing offers that change once you have committed your time or money.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Be a Digital Hero: Join the Scam Buster Pledge!

  Find out about the Scam Buster Pledge and sharing safer online habits with others.

• Information & listings

  BeScamAware — Stay alert, stay safe.

  Practical advice, real examples and trusted information to help you spot scams and protect what matters.

• Scam methods

  Blessing Scams

  False promises of spiritual help used to obtain money or valuables.

• Information & listings

  Blog

  Scam-awareness articles, guidance, scam alerts and Scam of the Month.

• Games & activities

  Can You Spot the Scam? Test Your Skills!

  Test your scam-spotting skills with ten questions about gaming messages, fake offers and account safety.

• Scam methods

  Catfishing

  Fake online identities used to build relationships and gain your trust.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Caught Off Guard: How to Protect Yourself from Car Park Fine Scams

  Explore unexpected car-park fine messages and how a familiar setting can make a demand seem credible.

• Scam methods

  Cloned Device Scams

  Counterfeit phones and other electronics sold as the genuine article.

• Scam methods

  Cloning Scams

  Copied profiles and accounts that impersonate people or organisations you recognise.

• Advice & guidance

  Common Scams Targeting Seniors and Vulnerable People

  Learn about scams that target older or vulnerable people and ways to offer support.

• Information & listings

  Community and Wider Impact

  Support your community, share experiences and help others recognise scams.

• Information & listings

  Contact BeScamAware

  Have a question about BeScamAware, an idea for a resource or feedback on the website? We’d like to hear from you.

• Information & listings

  Cookie Policy (UK)

  How BeScamAware uses cookies, browser storage and local website features.

• Advice & guidance

  Coping with the Emotional Impact of Being Scammed

  Explore guidance on difficult feelings and finding support after a scam.

• Your scam stories

  Crypto Wallet Scam: How Fake Police and Support Calls Led to a Bitcoin Theft

  A story about impersonated police and support callers, a manufactured security emergency and a compromised crypto wallet.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 1 – The Fake Delivery Scam

  A festive look at fake delivery messages, unexpected charges and suspicious tracking links.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 10 – The Crypto Christmas Con

  Explore promises of quick cryptocurrency returns and the warning signs behind festive investment offers.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 11 – The Subscription Renewal Swindle

  Learn to recognise subscription-renewal messages that try to rush you into paying or sharing details.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 12 – The “Help a Friend in Need” Scam

  Understand how a message appearing to come from a friend can use urgency to ask for money.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 2 – The Gift Card Grift

  Explore requests for gift-card payments and why a familiar-looking message deserves a second look.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 3 – The Online Shopping Scam

  Recognise warning signs when shopping online during a busy festive season.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 4 – The Charity Donation Deception

  Look at requests for charitable donations and the importance of checking who is asking.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 5 – The Social Media Giveaway Trap

  Explore the warning signs behind social-media giveaways and unexpected prize messages.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 6 – The Holiday Rental Hustle

  Understand how fake holiday-rental listings can turn an appealing break into a scam.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 7 – The Romance Scam

  Learn how false romantic connections can be used to build trust over the holiday season.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 8 – The Fake E-Card Scam

  Explore how an unexpected festive e-card can become a route to a suspicious website.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Day 9 – The Festive Job Scam

  Look at seasonal job offers and the questions to ask before trusting a recruitment message.

• Scam examples

  Delivery Scams

  An unexpected delivery message asks you to pay a fee or confirm details.

• Information & listings

  Digital Safety and Awareness

  Protect your accounts, devices and personal information in everyday online life.

• Tools & resources

  Display the SCAM Method Poster: A Visual Reminder to Stay Vigilant

  Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals and communities with deceptive tactics.

• Information & listings

  Education and Prevention

  Recognise warning signs and help children, families and businesses stay informed.

• Information & listings

  Emotional and Psychological Support

  Find guidance on difficult feelings, rebuilding trust and talking to others.

• Your scam stories

  Employment Scam – Remote Job Offer

  A supposed remote proofreading opportunity reveals the warning signs of a fake job offer.

• Scam examples

  Fake Bank Alert

  A supposed bank warning pressures you to share details or move money.

• Scam examples

  Fake Charity Donation

  A convincing appeal asks for donations through an unverified person or website.

• Scam examples

  Fake Tax Refund

  An unexpected refund offer asks you to provide personal or payment details.

• Information & listings

  Glossary

  Clear definitions of scam-awareness and online-safety terms.

• Scam Busters HQ

  Helping You Talk to Parents & Grandparents About Online Safety

  Talking to parents and grandparents about online safety is an important way to keep them safe from scams.

• Advice & guidance

  How Scams Impact Communities and How We Can Combat Them Together

  Understand the wider effects of scams and how communities can support one another.

• Games & activities

  How Strong is Your Password Game?

  Try seven questions about passwords, privacy and safer habits. Check your answers and have another go.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Create Stronger Passwords and Keep Them Safe

  Explore ways to strengthen passwords and protect access to your accounts.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Handle Fake Charity Solicitations

  Learn what to check when someone approaches you with a donation request.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Report a Scam to Authorities

  Find guidance on reporting a suspected scam and preparing relevant information.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Safely Dispose of Documents to Prevent Identity Theft

  Consider the personal information on documents before disposing of them.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Spot and Avoid E-Commerce and Online Shopping Scams

  Recognise warning signs in online shops, offers and payment requests.

• Advice & guidance

  How to Talk to Children and Teens About Online Scams

  Start calm, age-appropriate conversations about recognising scams online.

• Your scam stories

  I Just Wanted a Crow — and Got Hacked Instead

  An online gaming reward offer becomes a lesson about unfamiliar links and account security.

• Scam methods

  In-Person “Trader” Scams

  Dishonest traders who approach you with misleading offers or unnecessary work.

• Information & listings

  Interact

  Explore articles, quizzes and activities to help you recognise scam warning signs, strengthen everyday habits and share what you learn.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Introducing Scam Busters: Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Heroes

  Introducing Scam Busters and its approach to helping young people build online-safety awareness.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Introducing The 12 Scams of Christmas

  Introducing a series of seasonal scam-awareness guides to help you recognise common tactics.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Introducing: Your Scam Stories

  Find out why BeScamAware is creating a space for people to share their scam experiences.

• Scam examples

  Job Offer Scams

  A tempting job offer leads to upfront fees or requests for sensitive information.

• Advice & guidance

  Keeping Up-to-Date on the Latest Scam Tactics

  Build habits for staying informed about changing scam techniques.

• Information & listings

  Learn

  Explore our guides and examples to help you recognise scams and make safer choices.

• Advice & guidance

  Managing Feelings of Guilt or Shame After a Scam

  Find guidance on talking about difficult feelings after being targeted.

• Scam methods

  Modelling scams

  Flattering modelling opportunities that lead to fees, pressure or false promises.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Modelling Scams Are Making a Comeback

  Explore the warning signs behind modelling offers, unexpected fees and promises of opportunities.

• Blog & scam alerts

  My Journey Through Identity Theft

  A personal account of identity theft and the lessons shared by the original author.

• Information & listings

  Need help?

  Worried about a scam? Fraud can affect anyone. Take a breath, protect yourself, report what happened and find trusted support.

• Blog & scam alerts

  New on BeScamAware: Explore Our Free Scam Prevention Resources

  An introduction to BeScamAware’s printable materials and practical scam-awareness resources.

• Scam methods

  Phishing

  Deceptive messages that try to obtain passwords, payment details or other information.

• Information & listings

  Physical and Face-to-Face Scams

  Recognise doorstep scams, dishonest traders and suspicious requests in person.

• Information & listings

  Practical Steps and General Advice

  Understand the steps you can take before and after a suspected scam.

• Information & listings

  Privacy Policy

  How BeScamAware handles enquiries, shared scam stories, newsletter subscriptions and website information.

• Advice & guidance

  Protecting Yourself from Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing Scams

  Recognise suspicious emails, calls and texts before responding.

• Scam methods

  Pyramid Schemes

  Schemes that depend on recruiting more people rather than genuine sales.

• Scam methods

  QR Code Scams

  Misleading QR codes that take you to fraudulent websites or payments.

• Advice & guidance

  Rebuilding Trust After Financial or Emotional Losses

  Explore ways to rebuild confidence and trust following a scam.

• Advice & guidance

  Reclaiming Lost Funds: Is It Possible?

  Understand questions to consider when looking into recovering money after a scam.

• Advice & guidance

  Recognizing and Avoiding Common Online Scams

  Start with common warning signs and everyday habits for staying safer online.

• Advice & guidance

  Recognizing ATM Skimming and Card Cloning Tactics

  Learn about suspicious card-machine devices and payment-card scams.

• Tools & resources

  Report a Scam Checklist

  A simple step-by-step checklist to help you respond quickly and confidently to scam attempts.

• Information & listings

  Resources

  Access free resources to help you stay informed, spot the warning signs and take action against scams.

• Scam methods

  Romance Scams

  When a romantic connection is used to build trust, manipulate emotions and ask for money or personal information.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Scam A.I.: Outsmarting the New Wave of AI-Powered Fraud

  Understand how artificial intelligence can be used in scams and what to look out for.

• Tools & resources

  Scam Buster Pledge

  Download a kid-friendly pledge to practise safer online habits and become a Digital Hero.

• Games & activities

  Scam Buster Word Search

  Find fourteen scam-awareness words hidden in the original word-search grid.

• Scam Busters HQ

  Scam Busters HQ – Online Safety for Kids

  Fun activities, games and simple advice to help you spot online scams, stay safe and become a Digital Hero.

• Scam Busters HQ

  Scam Busters: Become a Digital Superhero!

  This guide shows you how to become a digital superhero by spotting scams in your favourite games.

• Information & listings

  Scam Examples

  Explore illustrative messages, calls and online scenarios to see how scams can appear in everyday life. Learn the warning signs and what to check before you respond.

• Tools & resources

  Scam Incident Log Sheet

  Download our Scam Incident Log Sheet to help you record scam attempts clearly and accurately.

• Information & listings

  Scam Methods

  Explore the methods scammers use, how they build trust and the warning signs to look for. Find a guide to help you pause, check and make a safer choice.

• Advice & guidance

  Scams That Target Businesses and How to Prevent Them

  Recognise scam approaches aimed at businesses and the people who work in them.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Securing Your Online Presence: Lessons from a Suspicious Instagram Login

  Lessons from a suspicious social-media login and the value of checking unusual account activity.

• Blog & scam alerts

  See – We Get Scam Emails Too!

  A look at scam emails received by BeScamAware and the clues that prompted a closer check.

• Scam methods

  Sextortion

  Threats to share intimate images or information, used to demand money.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Sextortion: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

  An introduction to sextortion, the pressure involved and where to begin seeking support.

• Information & listings

  Share your scam experience

  Sharing what happened can help others recognise the warning signs. Only share what you feel comfortable sharing, and take your time.

• Advice & guidance

  Sharing Your Experience to Help Others Stay Safe

  Consider how sharing what happened can help others recognise warning signs.

• Scam examples

  SIM-Swap Scams

  Someone takes over your mobile number to try to access your accounts.

• Blog & scam alerts

  SIM-Swap Scams: Protect Your Mobile Identity

  Explore SIM-swap scams and why control of a mobile number can matter for account security.

• Scam methods

  Skimming

  Hidden devices used to capture payment-card details at card machines.

• Scam methods

  Social Engineering

  Manipulation that pressures you to share information or act against your interests.

• Scam examples

  Social Media Marketplace Scams

  A buying or selling conversation leads to misleading deals or payment requests.

• Scam methods

  Spear Phishing

  Targeted deceptive messages made to feel personally relevant and convincing.

• Advice & guidance

  Spotting Scam Warning Signs in Emails, Texts, and Calls

  Look for warning signs in unexpected messages and phone calls.

• Advice & guidance

  Staying Scam-Savvy: Recognizing Red Flags Early

  Practise recognising pressure, unusual requests and other early warning signs.

• Information & listings

  Stop, Check, Ask, Monitor

  Learn how Stop, Check, Ask and Monitor can help you recognise scams, with four practical steps and everyday examples.

• Advice & guidance

  Strategies to Avoid Repeated Scams When You’re Vulnerable

  Explore guidance on recognising further approaches and asking for support.

• Scam examples

  Subscription Renewals

  A renewal notice pushes you to pay for a fake service or share details.

• Scam Busters HQ

  Super Secure: Creating Strong Passwords and Staying Private

  Passwords are like secret keys to your online world.

• Advice & guidance

  Talking to Family or Friends About Being Scammed

  Find ideas for starting a conversation with someone you trust.

• Scam examples

  Tech Support Scams

  A caller or pop-up claims your device needs urgent repairs or remote access.

• Scam methods

  Technical Support Scam

  False claims about device problems that lead to unnecessary payments or access.

• Scam methods

  Telephone Scams

  Misleading calls from people pretending to be someone you can trust.

• Information & listings

  Terms and Conditions

  The terms that apply when using BeScamAware.

• Blog & scam alerts

  That Winter Fuel Text? It’s a Scam—and Here’s How to Spot It

  Learn about messages claiming to concern Winter Fuel Payments and the warning signs to check.

• Blog & scam alerts

  The “Missed Delivery” Text Message Scam

  A closer look at missed-delivery messages and the pressure to follow a tracking or payment link.

• Information & listings

  The 12 Scams of Christmas

  Keep the joy. Spot the scams. Explore twelve guides to festive fraud, from delivery texts to gift-card requests. All twelve days are available now—read at your own pace.

• Advice & guidance

  The Dangers of Public Wi-Fi: Staying Safe Online

  Understand what to consider when using public wireless networks.

• Blog & scam alerts

  The HMRC Tax Refund Scam

  Recognise messages claiming to offer a tax refund, and why checking the source matters.

• Blog & scam alerts

  The Holiday Booking Scam

  Learn how misleading holiday listings and booking requests can catch travellers out.

• Blog & scam alerts

  The QR Code Scam (Quishing)

  QR codes make everyday tasks easier. Scammers use that convenience to lead you to fake websites. Here’s how to pause, check and stay safer before you scan.

• Tools & resources

  The SCAM Method: Printable Information Resource

  Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing tactics that can deceive even the most vigilant individuals.

• Scam Busters HQ

  The Secret Life of Scammers: A Story for Smart Kids

  Follow Sam’s fictional adventure in Cyberville and learn how to recognise online tricks.

• Games & activities

  The Secret Life of Scammers: Are You a Scam Buster?

  Put Sam’s scam-busting lessons into practice with ten questions about online tricks.

• Blog & scam alerts

  The Ticket & Festival Scam

  Understand the warning signs of ticket and festival scams before buying from unfamiliar sellers.

• Advice & guidance

  Tips for Securing Your Bank and Online Accounts After a Scam

  Find guidance on securing accounts after sharing information with a suspected scammer.

• Scam methods

  Travel Scams

  Deceptive travel offers and booking requests that put your money at risk.

• Advice & guidance

  Understanding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Why It Matters

  Learn how an extra account-security step can help protect your information.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Valentine’s Day, Romance, and the Scams That Thrive on Attention

  Explore how romance scammers use attention and connection to build trust around Valentine’s Day.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Voice Cloning Scams: Protecting Your Love Ones

  Explore how voice-cloning scams can imitate someone familiar and create pressure to act.

• Scam methods

  Voice Phishing (Vishing)

  Phone calls that use impersonation to seek your sensitive information.

• Advice & guidance

  What to Do Immediately After Being Scammed

  Find practical guidance on the next steps after a suspected scam.

• Advice & guidance

  Why Everyone is a Target: Scammers Don’t Discriminate

  Understand why anyone can be targeted, regardless of age or experience.

• Advice & guidance

  Why Reporting Scams Helps Prevent Future Fraud

  Explore how reporting can contribute to wider scam awareness and prevention.

• Blog & scam alerts

  Why We’ve Added Bait and Switch Scams to BeScamAware

  An introduction to the bait-and-switch method and why it has joined our scam-awareness guides.

• Information & listings

  Your Scam Stories

  Explore scam experiences shared on BeScamAware. Learn how different situations unfold, recognise warning signs and take something useful from each story.