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Before you start
- The message left unopened where possible
- A known official contact route for the claimed sender
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Check a suspicious text message
Step 1 of 5: Pause the requested action
Do not reply, call its number or tap its link while checking. Urgency, threats and unexpected payments are reasons to pause. Familiar sender labels and polished branding do not prove authenticity.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Compare it with what you expected
Ask whether you actually placed the order, requested a code or arranged this contact. A message can still be false even when it resembles a real event. Do not give someone a verification code simply because they asked.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Contact the organisation independently
Open its official app, type its known website address or use a number from paperwork you already trust. For a claimed family member, use their existing number. Explain the request without using the text’s link as your starting point.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Report through the right route
In the UK, many mobile providers accept suspicious texts forwarded to 7726. Use your message app’s forwarding function and follow the provider’s reply. Elsewhere, check your provider’s reporting route; 7726 is not a universal international service.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Keep evidence if needed and remove it
Keep useful details privately, then block/report the sender and delete the message if appropriate. If you already shared credentials or payment information, contact the relevant provider through its genuine route promptly and follow its recovery instructions.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Identify a company’s known contact route without using a link supplied in a suspicious message.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
What if it really was from a company?
Checking through its official app or known contact route lets you deal with a real request without trusting the text’s link.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.