Scam text guides

Clear, calm and jargon free. For you, and for explaining it to your mum or dad.

• The parcel redelivery fee scam Royal Mail, Evri and DPD never text you for a small fee. The tiny charge that is really after your card. Signs and steps.
• The fake bank text "Your account is locked": how to spot the fake Barclays, Monzo, HSBC or NatWest alert, plus the fake HMRC rebate, and what to do if you tapped it.
• The DVLA vehicle tax refund scam A text says the DVLA owes you a few pounds back. The DVLA never texts about refunds. The small rebate that is really after your card.
• The unpaid toll and Dart Charge scam "Pay this crossing charge now to avoid a fine." A tiny toll, a big threat, a fake payment page. How to spot it and what to do.
• The "Hi Mum" and family emergency scam A stranger pretends to be your child or grandchild, then asks for money. The one check that stops it cold.
• You already tapped a scam link Breathe. What matters is what you typed next. Calm steps, in order.
• How SMS scam gangs actually operate The same script runs in the UK, Spain, Brazil and Portugal. Why it feels personal and never is.