UK Digital Safety & Online Security Guide
Protect yourself from online scams, phishing, identity theft, and cyber fraud. This guide covers common threats, reporting mechanisms, and best practices.
Common Scams (2026)
- Phishing emails/SMS: Fake HMRC tax refund, parcel delivery, or bank alert messages.
- Investment scams: Clone websites mimicking legitimate financial firms.
- Romance fraud: Online dating scams requesting money.
- Impersonation: Callers claiming to be from your bank, police, or government.
- WhatsApp/messaging scams: “Hi Mum/Dad” messages asking for emergency money transfers.
- QR code scams: Fake QR codes on parking meters and restaurant menus.
Protect Yourself
- Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes with anyone.
- Your bank will NEVER call asking you to transfer money to a “safe account.”
- Verify unexpected contacts by calling back on an independently confirmed number.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
📞 Report Fraud
| Action Fraud (UK) | 0300 123 2040 |
| Report Online | actionfraud.police.uk |
| Suspicious Email | Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk |
| Suspicious Text | Forward to 7726 (free) |
| Bank Scam Helpline | 159 (connects to your bank) |
| NCSC Website | ncsc.gov.uk |
Last updated: June 2026.