Phishing scams remain one of the most persistent and effective cyber threats facing the UK public and businesses alike. New figures from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Action Fraud reveal just how widespread the problem has become\u2014and why continued awareness and reporting are critical in keeping individuals and organisations safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of April 2025, over 41 million phishing scams have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) since its launch in April 2020. These reports have led to the removal of more than 217,000 scams across 393,395 individual website pages, highlighting the vital role public reporting plays in disrupting fraudsters\u2019 operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phishing\u2014also referred to as smishing (via SMS), quishing (via QR codes), or vishing (via phone calls)\u2014is when cyber criminals send fake messages designed to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, sharing personal data, or making payments. These scams often impersonate trusted brands such as banks, streaming platforms, or government bodies, making them deceptively convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal is simple: to steal money, login credentials, or sensitive information by misleading victims with genuine-looking messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action Fraud data shows that the most impersonated sectors in phishing scams include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Respond to Suspicious Messages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you receive a message\u2014email, text or phone call\u2014that doesn\u2019t feel right, follow this golden rule: Stop. Think. Report.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Emails:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Text Messages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Phone Calls:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Superintendent Amanda Wolf, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, reporting phishing attempts plays a key role in identifying and dismantling fraud campaigns before they affect more people. \u201cEvery phishing email reported helps us gain a better understanding of the tactics being used,\u201d she says. \u201cThe more reports we receive, the more people we can protect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even when you\u2019re not sure if a message is fake, reporting it helps authorities detect trends and shut down malicious websites faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you believe you\u2019ve clicked a malicious link or shared information as part of a phishing scam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Action Fraud Urges the Public to Keep Reporting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to Do if You Fall Victim to a Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n