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Stay in the know about scams that are currently targeting people across the UK. Our experts share real examples and telltale signs to look out for, so you can protect yourself.
The latest scams we've spotted include a TV licensing impersonation, a fake PayPal email and fraudsters impersonating the mobile network Three.
Check out our full list.
Source: Which? (16 Sep 2026)
You can always keep up to date on the most recent scams targeting people across the UK.
The latest warnings to be aware of include a TV Licence scam, fake Screwfix ads and dodgy cryptocurrency emails. Take a look at the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and to our scam sharer tool.
Source: Which? (07 Oct 2025)
Scammers are sending fake emails pretending to be from Virgin Media and TV Licensing. These emails are designed to trick people into providing their personal and financial information.
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| fake emails pretending to be from Virgin Media and TV Licensing |
Virgin Media scam emails
The fake Virgin Media emails usually have the subject line "Renew your TV licence scam email" or something similar. The email will state that your TV licence is due to expire and that you need to renew it immediately. The email will include a link that you are supposed to click on to renew your licence.
TV Licensing scam emails
The fake TV Licensing emails usually have the subject line "Virgin media scam email to update mail" or something similar. The email will state that there is a problem with your TV licence and that you need to update your details. The email will include a link that you are supposed to click on to update your details.
How to protect yourself
If you receive an email from Virgin Media or TV Licensing, do not click on any links in the email. Instead, go directly to the Virgin Media or TV Licensing website and log in to your account. If you do not have an account, you can create one.
You can also check the sender's email address. If the email address does not look like it is from Virgin Media or TV Licensing, it is probably a scam.
What to do if you have been scammed
If you have been scammed, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately. You should also report the scam to Action Fraud.
Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed:
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| Fake email screenshot |
This is a common TV license renewal scam email that aims to deceive recipients into clicking on a link to renew their license. The email claims that the recipient's license is due for renewal, and prompts them to click a button to avoid service interruption.
However, this email is a scam, and recipients should not click the link. Always verify the legitimacy of any email by researching the sender and content before responding.
It is also important to report any suspicious emails, texts, websites, or calls to the relevant authorities. In the UK, you can forward suspicious emails (as screenshots) to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious text messages (as screenshots or screen recordings) to the number 7726. Additionally, if you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website.
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| Screenshot of scam email - click to view enlarged |
Screenshot (click above to view enlarged) of the scam email received 17 January 2023 with a fake phishing 'Setup a new Direct Debit' link received by a borough resident and alerted us to warn others. Notice the sender appears to be from Japan? and the email is not you would expect from DVLA in UK.
The purpose of a scam email is often to get you to click a link. This will take you to a website which might download a virus to your computer, or steal passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes known as 'phishing'.
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded (as a screenshot or screen recording) to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Suspicious emails should be forwarded (as a screenshot) to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Needless to say do no click on links that turn out of the blue. Take time to research and check out this blog for advice and further information on similar scams.
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls.
Further help is available as follows:-
