Scams
SMS Scam: What to Do? The Right Reflexes
Received a strange text asking you to click a link or call a number? Don't panic. Here's how to spot a scam, what to do in the first few minutes, and how to protect yourself going forward.
🚨 How to spot a fraudulent text message
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but their messages almost always share the same telltale signs.
⚠️ The 7 warning signs
- A strange link — shortened URL or odd domain name (e.g. royalmail-delivery.xyz)
- Artificial urgency — "Your parcel expires in 24h", "Immediate action required"
- A request for money — customs fees, unpaid delivery charges, a fine to pay
- Unknown sender — foreign number (+44, +1…) or hidden number
- Spelling mistakes — poor grammar is often a giveaway
- Request for personal info — card number, password, verification code
- Unexpected prize — "You've won an iPhone", "Your refund is ready"
Real examples of SMS scams
⚠️ Scam
Royal Mail: Your parcel GB8821 is awaiting delivery. Customs fee: £1.99. Pay within 24h: http://royalmail-redeliver.com
⚠️ Scam
HMRC: You are owed a tax refund of £312.50. Update your bank details here: http://hmrc-refund-secure.net
⚠️ Scam
Security Alert: Suspicious login detected on your account. Verify immediately: http://secure-login-verify.net
✅ What to do if you receive a suspicious text
- Do not click the link — even just to "check" if it's real
- Do not call back — premium rate numbers can be costly
- Report it — forward the text to 7726 (free, works on all UK networks)
- Block the sender — in your phone settings
- Never share a one-time passcode you received by text
- Don't reply "STOP" — it confirms your number is active
😰 What if you already clicked?
⚡ You clicked but didn't enter anything
- Close the browser immediately
- Run an antivirus scan on your phone
- Monitor your accounts for a few days
- You're probably in the clear
🚨 You entered your bank details
- Call your bank immediately on the number on the back of your card
- Ask them to block your card
- Change your online banking password
- Report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk)
📞 Useful contacts
7726
Report scam texts (free, all networks)
0300 123 2040
Action Fraud helpline
159
Stop Scams UK banking hotline
999
Emergency (if in danger)
🛡️ How to protect yourself going forward
✅ Good habits to adopt
- Install an antivirus on your phone — Bitdefender Mobile is excellent
- Enable your carrier's spam filter (usually free)
- Only share your number when necessary
- Be suspicious of any artificial urgency in a message
- If in doubt, contact the organisation directly via their official website
💡 CyberGuard's tip
- A VPN like NordVPN protects your browsing if you accidentally click a malicious link
- SMS scams (smishing) are rising fast — stay vigilant even with numbers that look familiar
Not sure about a text you received?
Describe it to our AI agent — it'll tell you if it's dangerous and what to do.
🤖 Ask CyberGuard →📚 The complete guide in PDF
30 pages · WiFi, scams, children, antivirus, VPN · Instant download