Scam Texts Are Stealing More Than Money — Here’s Why You Must Report, Not Delete

By Dadrian Latchman | Crime Watch

 

If there’s one thing we’re all painfully familiar with in the UK, it’s scam calls and texts. Whether it’s a fake delivery notice, a bogus bank alert, or a too-good-to-be-true competition win, these messages are more than just a nuisance — they’re a threat. And while it might be tempting to simply delete them and move on, doing so could mean letting scammers off the hook. That’s why the message being broadcast on BBC Morning Live and echoed by cybersecurity experts is clear: don’t delete — report.

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Reporting scam texts is easier than most people realise. Simply forward the suspicious message to 7726 — that’s S-P-A-M on your keypad. It’s a free service supported by all major UK mobile networks, and it sends the message straight to your provider for investigation. This helps them block the number and prevent others from falling victim. It’s quick, anonymous, and could stop a scammer in their tracks. According to Ofcom, while 8 in 10 people receive scam messages, fewer than 2 in 10 report them Ofcom. That silence is costing us all.

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And it’s not just texts. If you receive a dodgy email — maybe it looks like it’s from HMRC, your bank, or even a streaming service — forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. This address is run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and every report helps them take down malicious websites and warn others GOV.UK Action Fraud. 

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The more we report, the harder it becomes for scammers to operate. So next time your phone pings with a suspicious message, remember: don’t just swipe it away — send it to 7726 or report@phishing.gov.uk. Your action could protect someone else.

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