Four sneaky text scams

For some mobile users, barely a day goes by without receiving a dodgy text. These scams, known as 'smishing', are popular tools for fraudsters and some are sneakier than others.

We've rounded up four particularly nasty examples to watch out for, including a fake emergency text and a convincing delivery text scam.

Be prepared for these scams

Source: Which? (26 Mar 2025)

Rogue traders conned a victim out of £6,000

After contacting what appeared to be a well-reviewed local roofing company, Maureen was scammed out of £6,250 by rogue traders.

Initially Santander refused to reimburse her, but after our scams expert stepped in and investigated, the bank agreed to pay up. Find out what you need to do to recover your money if something like this happens to you.

How to recover your money after a scam

Source: Which? (27 Mar 2025)

Trending job scams to watch out for

Scammers are preying on job seekers again with appealing, but too-good-to-be-true, offers.

The latest examples we've seen have been fraudsters impersonating genuine recruitment firms to make their scams even more convincing. See what these scams look like so you can avoid falling victim.

How to spot a job scam

Source: Which? (25 Mar 2025)

Bexley SNT list map search

Finding out and search for your ward SNT list.

Tutorial to show how to navigate the Bexley SNT list map for ease of reference.

• Bexley watch blog - https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/ 
• Bexley crime SNT list map - https://tinyurl.com/23ezo8er
• https://www.youtube.com/@bexleywatch7592 

Watch out for bogus QR codes

Quick Response (QR) codes, are those black and white patterned squares you scan with a smartphone. They have become popular methods to pay for parking or at restaurants, but they've also become a useful tool for scammers.

These nasty scams can convince you to scan a dodgy QR code to pay for parking, only to sting you with a monthly subscription trap. Find out the six checks you can make to tell if a QR code is safe to scan.

How to tell if a QR code is safe

 

Source: Which? (19 Mar 2025)

Be savvy about email scams

Email scams, also known as 'phishing' scams, often involve a fraudster sending you an email purporting to be from a well-known brand or retailer.

They could contain malicious software, or links to dodgy websites that aim to steal your financial details. If you suspect an email is a scam, don't click on any links or download any attachments – our experts explain how to spot and report this kind of scam.

 

Avoid falling for an email scam

 

Source: Which? (19 Mar 2025)

Dodgy ads for driving licenses, tests and lessons

Learner drivers should be wary of scam adverts running on Facebook and Instagram that claim to offer discounted driving lessons, test slots and even full UK driving licenses that you don't need to take a test for.

 

Check out our latest findings and learn how to spot, avoid and report these scams.

How to spot scam adverts

 

Source: Which? (17 Mar 2025)