UK Scam Alert: 5 Dangerous Text Messages You Must Never Reply To
Security experts are issuing urgent warnings about the rising sophistication of text message scams targeting Britons, with fraudsters exploiting a perfect middle ground between emails and phone calls to grab attention. These fraudulent messages are becoming increasingly deceptive, as scammers refine their techniques to mimic trusted organisations and government schemes that people encounter in their daily lives.
Five Key Scam Texts Identified by Security Professionals
Mark Baars, a technology expert at Unit4, has identified five particularly dangerous types of text messages that recipients should absolutely never reply to under any circumstances. These include government scheme texts offering free grants, fake HMRC tax refund notifications, subscription payment alerts, bank security warnings, and cryptocurrency investment opportunities. Each of these scams presents unique risks to unsuspecting individuals across the United Kingdom.
Government Energy Scheme Scams Exploit Cost-of-Living Pressures
Government-backed energy efficiency schemes have become a prime target for scammers looking to exploit current cost-of-living pressures. "These texts are especially dangerous because they're based on real schemes that people have heard of," Mark explained. He strongly advises people to independently verify any energy-related offers through official government channels rather than responding to unsolicited text messages.
Fake HMRC Tax Refund Messages Remain Pervasive Threat
Fake HMRC tax refund messages continue to rank among the most common scam texts circulating throughout the UK, with particular prevalence around self-assessment deadlines. "People often assume these messages are old scams that everyone already knows about, but that's not true at all," Mark warned. He noted that thousands of tax-related scams were reported in late 2025 alone, demonstrating the ongoing effectiveness of these fraudulent communications.
Streaming Service and Subscription Scams Target Household Budgets
Streaming services and digital subscriptions have become another favourite disguise for fraudsters targeting households juggling multiple monthly payments. "They rely on panic and inconvenience, because nobody wants their favourite service cut off," Mark said. He explained how these messages typically lead to convincing fake login pages designed to harvest personal information and financial details from unsuspecting victims.
Bank Security Texts Designed to Create Panic and Urgency
Bank security texts claiming suspicious activity or requesting transaction verification are specifically designed to create panic and urgency among recipients. "These messages are designed to scare you into reacting without thinking," Mark noted. He advises people to always contact their bank through official, verified channels rather than clicking links contained within suspicious text messages.
Essential Safety Advice for Text Message Recipients
Security experts emphasise several crucial precautions for dealing with suspicious text messages:
- Never reply to unsolicited messages requesting personal information
- Avoid clicking links in texts from unknown or unexpected sources
- Verify any offers or warnings by contacting organisations directly through official channels
- Report suspicious messages to Action Fraud and your mobile provider
- Remember that legitimate organisations rarely request sensitive information via text
The increasing sophistication of these scams means that even tech-savvy individuals can potentially fall victim to convincing fraudulent messages. By remaining vigilant and following expert advice, Britons can better protect themselves against these evolving text-based threats.
