Staying Safe Online:
A Guide to Common Internet Scams in the UK
... and How to Avoid Them
This is a guide produced by Slough u3a.
Online scams are now one of the most common crimes in the UK. Criminals use emails, text messages, phone calls, social media and fake websites to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Anyone can be targeted — scammers are not fussy — and they often focus on older adults because they hope to catch people off guard.
The good news is that most scams can be avoided by knowing the warning signs and taking a moment to Stop – Think – Check before acting.
"8 people loose money to scammers EVERY MINUTE!" - BBC Morning Live report
1. The Most Common Online Scams in the UK
Phishing emails and texts
These are messages pretending to be from trusted organisations such as your bank, HMRC, Royal Mail, Amazon or the NHS. They often:
- Ask you to click a link
- Claim there is a problem with your account
- Say you must act “immediately”
- Use emotional pressure such as fear or urgency
Scammers increasingly use realistic branding and even QR codes to trick people into visiting fake websites.
How to avoid it
- Never click links in unexpected messages.
- Contact the organisation using details from its official website.
- Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726 (free).
Parcel delivery scams
These are now the most common scam in the UK, with nearly half of all scam attempts involving fake delivery messages.
You may receive a text saying:
- “We tried to deliver your parcel”
- “You must pay a small fee”
- “Track your parcel here”
The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your bank details.
How to avoid it
- Do not click the link.
- Check your parcel using the delivery company’s official website.
- Forward the message to 7726 and delete it.
Banking and “safe account” scams
Criminals pretend to be from your bank, the police, HMRC or another authority. They may claim:
- Your account is at risk
- You must move money to a “safe account”
- You must confirm your PIN or password
These scams are extremely convincing and often involve phone calls.
Important: Your bank will NEVER ask you to transfer money to a “safe account”. The police will NEVER ask for your PIN or bank details.
How to avoid it
- Hang up immediately.
- Call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- If pressured, dial 159 to reach your bank securely.
Fake government messages
Scammers impersonate GOV.UK, DVLA, HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions. Examples include:
- Fake tax refunds
- Fake driving licence renewals
- Fake Winter Fuel Payment claims
These messages often link to websites that look official but are designed to steal your details.
How to avoid it
- Search for the service directly on GOV.UK.
- Never trust links in unsolicited messages.
Online shopping scams
Fake websites, social media adverts and marketplace listings offer goods that:
- Never arrive
- Are counterfeit
- Are priced “too good to be true”
Scammers also use fake PayPal emails claiming you bought an expensive item, urging you to call a number — which connects you to a fraudster.
How to avoid it
- Use trusted retailers.
- Check reviews and contact details.
- Pay by credit card for extra protection.
Romance scams
Criminals create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, building trust before asking for money. Age UK reports a rise in these scams, especially targeting older adults.
How to avoid it
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met.
- Be cautious if someone avoids video calls or meeting in person.
Investment and pension scams
Fraudsters offer:
- “Guaranteed” high returns
- Cryptocurrency schemes
- Pension transfers
- “Exclusive opportunities”
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warns that hundreds of thousands of people lose money to these scams each year.
How to avoid it
- Check the firm on the FCA Register.
- If it’s not authorised, do not proceed.
Recent example of a probable scam...
Recent advertising (disguised as news) on Facebook and possibly other platforms make claims for “Synorex Valmariq” and its investment platform. The advertising uses the names and images of well-known people.
Please be aware:
“Synorex Valmariq” does not appear in any legitimate financial registry, corporate database, or FCA‑authorised firm list. But it does resemble the naming pattern of known scam platforms flagged by regulators.
A search across:
- FCA authorised firms
- UK company registries
- Scam‑watch databases
- Investment platform directories
returns NO legitimate entity with this name.
This is a major red flag — genuine investment platforms always leave a regulatory footprint.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN INVESTING.
AI voice scams (deepfake calls)
Scammers now use artificial intelligence to mimic voices — including bank staff, police, or even family members. A quarter of scam calls in the UK now use AI-generated voices.
How to avoid it
- Treat unexpected calls with caution.
- Hang up and call the organisation back using a trusted number.
2. How to Protect Yourself Online
Look for the five warning signs
The NCSC says most scams use one or more of these tactics:
- Authority – pretending to be someone official
- Urgency – “act now or else”
- Emotion – fear, panic, excitement
- Scarcity – “limited time offer”
- Current events – tax deadlines, energy bills, NHS alerts
If a message triggers any of these, stop and check.
Use strong passwords
The Metropolitan Police recommend using three random words to create long, memorable passwords. Example: “gardenbluepiano27” Long passwords are far harder to crack.
Be careful what you share online
Criminals use social media information to make scams more convincing. Review your privacy settings and avoid posting personal details.
Keep your devices updated
Updates fix security weaknesses that criminals exploit.
Use official contact details
If in doubt:
- Visit the organisation’s official website
- Use the phone number on your bank card
- Never trust contact details in a suspicious message
3. What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- If you’ve lost money: Contact Report Fraud (Action Fraud) online or call 0300 123 2040.
- If you received a suspicious message:
- Forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Forward texts to 7726
- Report fake adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority
- If your bank account may be at risk: Call your bank immediately or dial 159 to be connected safely.
Final Thoughts
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, but the basic rules of staying safe remain simple:
Stop. Think. Check. If something feels wrong — it probably is.
PLease also read this page... NEW updated Scam Messages & Warnings. - Slough
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