What to do if you accidentally click a scam link

Don't panic, accidentally clicking a dodgy link doesn't automatically mean your device is compromised. However, some malicious websites may attempt to download malware in the background, so it's worth taking a few precautionary steps to stay safe.

Using a Which?-recommended antivirus and checking for signs of suspicious activity can help keep your personal information hidden from prying eyes. For more information on our antivirus recommendations, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about what a membership offers here.

Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up the practical steps you should take if you click on a scam link - and the warning signs to look out for. 

Source: Which? (25 Feb 2026) 

Keep your email safe from hackers

Fraudsters often attempt to hack their way into people's email accounts, which can then give them access to other online accounts by requesting password resets and recovery links.

We explain how to recover your email inbox and how to prevent it from happening again. Even if you're not currently dealing with a security threat, it's still worth reading our walkthrough to make sure you're prepared.

Source: Which? (23 Feb 2026) 

What are brushing scams?

A brushing scam is when dodgy online sellers send out parcels to people unexpectedly. Why do they do it? So that they can write fake positive reviews to boost their rankings on online marketplaces, helping them to generate genuine income.

Some mystery deliveries contain QR codes (those black-and-white squares you can scan with a smartphone), which could direct you to a malicious website or cause malware to be downloaded to your device if scanned. Here's what to do if you receive a suspicious parcel.

Source: Which? (25 Feb 2026) 

⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Fake PayPal 'iPhone 16' Invoice

We are seeing reports of a phishing scam circulating via email, designed to trick recipients into calling a fraudulent helpline. If you receive an email similar to the one shown in the attached screenshots, do not engage with it.

How the Scam Works

The email claims that an "unauthorised transaction" for an iPhone 16 Pro ($789.99) has been successfully charged to your PayPal account. It uses several tactics to pressure you:

• Urgency: It claims you will be charged "today" unless you call immediately.

• The "Hook": It invites you to call a "Helpline Number" to cancel the order or get a refund.

• Professional Branding: It uses the PayPal logo and formal language to appear legitimate.

Red Flags to Look Out For

• Sender Address: The email comes from a random, personal account (e.g., "jossiejossie8745") rather than an official @paypal.com domain.

• Generic Greeting: It addresses you as "Dear PayPal Customer" instead of using your full name.

• Poor Grammar: Note the awkward phrasing and punctuation, such as "1 you're Billing Information" and "will be charge today".

• The Phone Number: PayPal does not typically ask you to call a mobile or random number to "cancel" a transaction found in an email.

What You Should Do

1. Do Not Call: Never call the phone number provided in the email. This connects you directly to scammers who will try to gain remote access to your computer or steal your bank details.

2. Check Your Account Separately: If you are worried, log in to the official PayPal app or website directly (never via a link in the email) to check your recent activity.

3. Report It: Forward the suspicious email to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.

4. Delete: Once reported, delete the email from your inbox.

⚠️ NEW ALERT: The ‘Helpful Stranger’ AI Scam

Bexley Watch has been made aware of a sophisticated new scam circulating on social media that targets our community’s spirit of helpfulness.

While we often pride ourselves on being one of London’s safest boroughs by looking out for one another, fraudsters are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to turn a simple act of kindness into a high-tech robbery.

How the Scam Works

The "Helpful Stranger" trap usually happens in busy public areas like Bexleyheath Broadway, local train stations, or supermarkets.

1. The Approach: A stranger (often appearing vulnerable or elderly) approaches you, claiming their phone is "glitching" or they can’t get a video call to work. They ask you to hold the phone or "fix" a setting.

2. The Capture: While you are looking at the device, the camera is secretly recording your face in high definition, and the microphone is capturing your voice as you speak to them.

3. The 'Clone': Using AI software, scammers use these few seconds of footage to create a "Deepfake"—a digital clone of your face and voice.

4. The Sting: They then contact your family members or friends (often via WhatsApp or a video call), appearing and sounding exactly like you, claiming you’ve been in an accident and need money urgently.

Is it Verified?

While some viral videos dramatise the speed of "fingerprint stealing," the Metropolitan Police and Cyber Crime units have confirmed that Voice and Video Cloning is a rapidly growing threat. Scammers only need a few seconds of clear audio and video to impersonate you convincingly enough to trick a worried relative.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Neighbours

• Keep your distance: If a stranger asks for help with their phone, suggest they visit a nearby shop or information desk. You can help without physically handling their device or looking directly into their camera.

• The 'Family Password': We strongly recommend all Bexley residents set up a secret "safe word" with their family. If you ever receive an emergency request for money, ask for the safe word. If they can’t provide it, it’s an AI scam.

• Verify the source: If a "loved one" calls you in distress from an unknown number, hang up and call them back on their regular, saved mobile number.

• Report it: If you encounter this in Bexley, please report it to Action Fraud and notify your local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator so we can alert the rest of the street.

Stay vigilant, Bexley. Let’s keep our community safe from both old-fashioned crime and new-tech scams.

 

​Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for This Fake ‘Cloud Storage Full’ Email

​

A new phishing scam is currently hitting UK inboxes, masquerading as a "Delivery Status Notification" or a storage alert from Google. It’s a clever attempt to trick you into handing over your payment details or login credentials.

We’ve already reported this to report@phishing.gov.uk, but here is what you need to look out for to stay safe.

The Anatomy of the Scam

The email uses several tactics to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy:

• The Fake Warning: The email claims your cloud storage is 100% full and that your "access is at risk," threatening to pause your emails and file syncing.

• The "Bait": To make the offer tempting, it claims an "80% Loyalty Discount" has been applied to an upgrade.

• Official Branding: It uses the familiar Google Cloud/Drive logo and colours to appear authentic at a glance.

Why We Know It’s Fake

If you look closely at the screenshots, the red flags are everywhere:

1. The Sender Address: The email claims to be a "Delivery Status Notification," but the actual sender address is a random string of characters from a Hotmail account (aqhc1dxpetam0410yan@hotmail.com). Google would never send storage alerts from a Hotmail address.

2. Conflicting Info: The subject line says "Delivery Status Notification (Failure)," which has nothing to do with cloud storage limits.

3. Language Errors: Your email provider even flagged that the message appeared to be in French, despite the text being in English—a common sign of "masking" used by scammers.

4. Suspicious Company Name: The footer credits "2026 Cloud Storage Systems Inc." rather than Google or Alphabet.

What You Should Do

• Do Not Click: Clicking "Get More Storage" will likely take you to a fake payment page.

• Report It: Forward any similar emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.

• Check Locally: If you are worried about your storage, go directly to one.google.com or check your settings in the official app. Never follow a link from a suspicious email.

How to spot a WhatsApp scam

Messages promoting a sham service called 'WhatsApp Gold' are recirculating. This scam claims to offer special features to users that can be unlocked by clicking a link – instead the link leads to malware being downloaded onto your device.

To help you stay protected, our experts have rounded up the most common scams you're likely to come across on WhatsApp, plus their tips on how to spot and report them. 

Source: Which? (10 Feb 2026) 

App store scam warning

Fraudulent apps have been found on Apple's App store, using a legitimate company's identity to bypass security checks and attempt to harvest people's personal data.

We examined the scam apps and explain what checks you should do to avoid downloading one to your device. 

Source: Which? (18 Feb 2026) 

Don't get conned on Booking.com

Our scams expert, Faye Lipson, spoke to a Booking.com customer who paid around £860 to book a villa in Malta, which turned out to be a fraudulent listing.

Booking.com promised to refund them, but after seven months of trying to get their money back, the customer was still out of pocket. Find out what happened when Faye stepped in, plus how to protect yourself against holiday scams.

Source: Which? (19 Feb 2026) 

Local Priorities House burglary Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding House burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Dear Residents of Joydens Wood. To make you aware there was unfortunately a Burglary on Joydens Wood Road on 18/02/2026 at approximately 17:00. Also in the early hours of 19/02/2026 there was an Attempted Burglary on Brackendene where the offenders were scared off by a barking dog. Please remain vigilant in the area and report any suspicious behaviour to Police

A police investigation is currently taking place in relation to these two incidents.

Burglary is a particularly invasive crime that can have a lasting impact on victims. If you have been a victim and need support and help, you should have been offered the services of Victim Support. You may have declined at the time, or not noticed the offer, but can refer yourself at any time by either calling 0808 168 9111 or visiting their website www.victimsupport.org.uk. 

Burglars do not want to get caught, so taking action to make your home or business premises safe and less attractive to thieves can go a long way to reducing the risk.

Not all advice, or security products recommended are the same, or necessarily fit for purpose. 

If looking to take positive action to prevent yourself from being a victim of this type of crime, help and advice can be found on the Neighbourhood Watch website.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey.  We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Source: https://www.mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk/Alerts/A/401417/Local-Priorities-House-burglary-Message

Bexley SNT – Successful Execution of Two Section 8 PACE Warrants – Erith Industrial Estate

On Thursday 12 February 2026, officers from Bexley Safer Neighbourhoods Team executed two Section 8 PACE 1984 warrants at separate units on an industrial estate in Erith.

These warrants were carried out in partnership with the Environment Agency, HMRC, London Fire Brigade, DNA Selector Dog teams, and BT’s cable theft unit, reflecting a strong multi-agency approach to tackling organised criminality.

Following extensive searches across both premises, officers recovered:

One stolen vehicle, and a second vehicle that had been stripped for parts.

Approximately £35,000 worth of Class A and Class B drugs, indicating clear evidence of drug supply activity.

Three individuals were arrested at the scene, and enquiries remain ongoing.

In addition, two of the buildings were found to present significant ongoing criminal and safety concerns. As a result, both have been issued with Closure Notices and will remain closed for a period of three months.

This operation demonstrates the continued commitment of Bexley SNT and partner agencies to disrupting organised criminality, targeting local priorities, protecting communities, and improving safety across the borough.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/398364/Bexley-SNT--Successful-Execution-of-Two-Section-8-PACE-Warrants--Erith-Industrial-Estate 

Which? latest scam warnings

Which? dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.

Recent tactics to be aware of include a fake Daily Mail website, a dodgy message circulating on WhatsApp and fraudsters posing as Which? on social media. Check out the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.

Source: Which? (11 Feb 2026)

5 signs of a romance scam

Report Fraud received 12,093 reports of dating scams in the past 13 months, with losses totalling £119.6m. This type of fraud, where scammers aim to trick people into fake relationships, can have a huge emotional and financial impact.

Our experts have laid out five signs of a romance scammer, including how to spot stolen images online and the tactics these fraudsters use to build a connection with potential victims.

Source: Which? (12 Feb 2026)

How to avoid AI scams

An AI scam uses artificial intelligence to trick you into parting with your money. Deepfake videos, where a person has been digitally altered to appear as a different person, and AI-generated text are just two ways this technology can be used by fraudsters.

Essentially, AI makes scams more convincing and harder to spot, so make sure you're familiar with these new methods and stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Source: Which? (10 Feb 2026)

How we are tackling e-bike crime in Bexley

Over the last few months, we have been talking to Londoners at our community crime fighting events, to better understand exactly what issues you care about most, including here in Bexley. 

Across London, including in Bexley, we heard of widespread concerns about dangerous riding, anti-social behaviour and thefts linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.  

So, we are stepping up our action. 

In the past year, we have taken over 2,500 illegal and unsafe e-bikes and e-vehicles off London’s streets. Through precision-led policing driven by intelligence, data and technology, we are seizing thousands of dangerous rides where they’re being used unlawfully or anti-socially.  

We are working with partners to develop evidence-based, targeted interventions and operations that will lead to effective, long-term change. 

Acting on concerns that matter most to Londoners is at the heart of our community crime-fighting – and so we need your input. 

Help us keep our streets safe and click the link below to fill in a short survey: 

https://survey.metengage.co.uk/Survey/GUID/c2c1fffd-0a6e-491e-b542-bd1782e2b772

NOTE: Please use the URL copied above only.

We would appreciate hearing from you to help us better understand both the concerns and benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters use in your area. This will help us understand what you would like us to prioritise and give us insight to take to partners and drive action.  

MPS actions so far in BEXLEY: 

In the meantime, we want to take this opportunity to tell you what we are already doing to clamp down on the illegal and anti-social behaviour concerns you raised about e-bikes / e-scooters.  
Across 2025 we seized more than 2,500 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters across London and will continue to take steps to keep you safe. 
We are stopping riders suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk riding is illegal, unsafe, and contributes to a growing proportion of near-misses and collisions, particularly on increasingly used high-powered e- bikes. 
This has included operations in Proactive operations to deal with E Bikes on Bexleyheath Broadway. 
Proactive Operations to deal with fast food E bikes in Welling High Street and Sidcup 
Retail Visits with Bike shops to discuss good sale agreements. 
Proactive Operations to target ASB with E bikes in Crayford

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/395843/How-we-are-tackling-e-bike-crime-in-Bexley

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Jan 2026

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Warning: The 'Cloud Data Deletion' Scam Hitting UK Inboxes

Have you recently received an urgent email claiming your "Cloud+" membership has ended and your photos are at "immediate risk of deletion"? Before you rush to update your payment details, take a deep breath.

It is a total scam.

Cybercriminals are currently sending out highly polished emails designed to look like official correspondence from Apple or other cloud providers. Their goal? To steal your banking information.

How to Spot This Scam

Even though the email looks professional at first glance, there are several "red flags" that give it away:

• The 'From' Address is Wrong: In the screenshots above, the sender's email is a random address (.emudas@bestquotedirect.com). Official emails from Apple or Google will always come from their verified domains (e.g., @apple.com or @google.com).

• Artificial Urgency: Scammers want you to panic. They use phrases like "immediate risk" and give you a deadline of "tonight at 11:59 PM." Real companies give you a grace period of weeks, not hours, if a payment fails.

• Vague Greeting: Notice the email says "Dear user" instead of your actual name. Most legitimate services you pay for will address you by the name on your account.

• Dodgy Footer Information: If you look at the bottom of the email, it lists a random company address ("Design Studio Fabrics" in the US). This has nothing to do with cloud storage!

What Should You Do?

1. Do NOT click the link: The "Update Payment" button will lead to a fake website designed to harvest your card details.

2. Check the official app: If you are worried, go directly to your phone's Settings or the official website of your provider. Check your subscription status there.

3. Report it: In the UK, you can forward suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at report@phishing.gov.uk.

4. Delete and Block: Once you’ve reported it, delete the email and block the sender.

"I've already clicked and entered my details—now what?"

If you have already entered your details into the link, you must act fast:

• Contact your bank immediately. Tell them you have been the victim of a phishing scam. They can freeze your card and protect your account.

• Change your passwords. If the scam site asked for your login details, change your password for that service (and any other accounts that use the same password) right away.

Stay safe online—if an email feels like it's trying to scare you into acting, it's usually because it's a scam.

Amazon product recall scam

A sneaky text message scam claims to be from Amazon and provides a refund link for a product that has been recalled.

We examined a version of this message and found that the link directs you to a live website that's a convincing copy of Amazon's official page. Discover what this scam looks like and how you can avoid it.

Source: Which? (04 Feb 2026) 

Beware new voice cloning phone scams

National Trading Standards has identified a worrying new scam. It starts with a cold call, where a fraudster asks you to participate in a non-existent 'lifestyle survey', created to gather your personal details.

While you answer the questions, this information is used to create an AI-generated replica of your voice (voice cloning), which can be used to set up direct debits without you knowing. Find out more about this new scam and how you can protect yourself.

Source: Which? (05 Feb 2026) 

4 energy scams to know about

Whether it's impersonating energy suppliers or flogging fake devices that claim to save you money on your energy bills, scammers bank on rushing you into handing over information by sounding official.

Energy scams are prevalent throughout the year, but in the winter months they can be just convincing enough to catch people out. Take a look at some of the most common examples we've seen recently.

Source: Which? (05 Feb 2026)