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Here’s some practical advice you can follow when it comes to dealing with suspicious messages and calls:

If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website.

Do not use the number or web address in the message. Your bank, or any other official source, will not ask you to provide sensitive information by email.

Received an email that doesn’t feel right? STOP! Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Send emails to this address that feel suspicious, even if you’re not certain they’re a scam – they will be checked.Always report suspicious text messages or scam call numbers, free of charge, to 7726. Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.

To report a scam text, forward it to 7726 and then send the sender’s number when prompted.

To report a scam call, simply text 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the scam caller’s number.

If you’ve lost money or provided financial information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.