Sep 29, 2026 · 8:17
Is That Message a Scam? What to Do Before You Click
"Your bank account will be blocked. Tap here to confirm your details." It looks official – and you want to fix the problem right away. Before you tap, try one simple habit: pause, and check another way.
In this video we explain what phishing is, why scam messages work even on careful people, why a well-made message can still be fake, and what to do instead: leave the message, open the app you already use, or call the number on your bank card. We also cover delivery and "Hi Mum, new phone" messages, why you should never share a login code, and what to do if you already clicked.
0:56In under a minute
A Message From Your Bank? Do This First.
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Sources & further reading (9)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams - National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — How to spot a scam email, text message or call
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/spot-scams - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — How To Avoid a Scam
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Protect yourself from phishing scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/protect-yourself-phishing-scams - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/scammers-use-fake-emergencies-steal-your-money - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — What's a verification code and why would someone ask me for it?
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/whats-verification-code-why-would-someone-ask-me-it - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Use Two-Factor Authentication To Protect Your Accounts
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — What To Do if You Were Scammed
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed - National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — Phishing scams: If you've shared sensitive information
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/what-to-do