Bromley Trading Standards is reminding residents to be extremely cautious of suspicious text messages, which are increasingly being used by fraudsters to steal personal and financial information.
Scam texts often contain links that redirect to fake websites, prompting users to enter sensitive details such as names, addresses, bank accounts, or even make payments. These scams can also install malware, malicious software, on your device, putting your data and security at further risk.
Anyone can receive scam texts, and recent examples received by the Bromley Trading Standards team include:
Common Scam Texts:
DWP Support Scheme Scams
These messages claim to offer government support and include a link to a fake application form. Always visit www.GOV.uk for official schemes, and beware of misleading addresses like govuk.com that are false but seem genuine at first glance. Learn more about fake 'energy support' scams on the Which? website.
Missed Parcel Delivery Scams
These impersonate delivery companies and claim a missed delivery. The link provided leads to a fake site asking for personal details. Learn how to spot these scams on the Which? website.
Job Offer/Recruitment Scams
Messages promising high earnings often ask recipients to respond via WhatsApp or similar platforms. These scams typically involve upfront fees and the collection of personal data. More information on recruitment scam texts can be found on the Action Fraud website.
Other scam texts include fake bank alerts and unpaid parking fines. For legitimate parking information, visit Bromley Parking on the council website.
Signs that a text message may be a scam:
- Sent from an unknown number or impersonates a well-known organisation
- Refers to current news or time-sensitive events (e.g. tax deadlines)
- Urges immediate action or threatens consequences
- Contains a suspicious link
Learn how to spot a scam message on the National Cyber Security Centre website
How to protect yourself:
- Stop. Think Fraud! – Take your time and don’t be rushed into action
- Don’t click the link – Visit the official website or call a trusted number
- Don’t reply or call back – This confirms your number is active
- Forward the text to 7726 – This helps authorities track and stop scam messages
- Alternatively, take a screenshot and email it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
- Delete the text
Report and information
Contact your bank's fraud team if you think you've been scammed: Call 159 – Stop Scams UK.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
If you have been tricked into sending money by bank payment, check out the Toolkit and UK Finance Authorised Push Payment Fraud guidance for more information on recovering lost money.
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website.
Visit the Ofcom website for advice on reporting scam texts to 7726.
Visit the Stop! Think Fraud website to learn how to stay safe from scams.
Visit our webpage for more Trading Standards advice.
For general information about scams in various languages, visit the Friends Against Scams website.
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.