Criminals can use a disruptive event to make an unexpected message seem plausible. A claim about a storm refund, urgent repair or emergency grant may be designed to collect money or personal information. Treat pressure as a reason to verify the sender carefully.
Pause before using the message's link
Do not assume a familiar logo, local place name or realistic weather reference proves the message is genuine. Be cautious about urgent payment demands or requests for account details. Find the organisation's official website or a contact from your existing paperwork independently, rather than using the number supplied in a suspicious message.
- Do not share one-time security codes with a caller.
Check what the organisation actually offers
Read eligibility and application information on the official service. A legitimate support scheme should have an identifiable owner and a documented route to apply. If a message claims to be from your insurer, supplier or council, use their normal verified channel to ask whether the contact and requested action are genuine.
- Keep a record without forwarding the suspicious link widely.
Act if you have already responded
Use NCSC guidance for reporting phishing and follow your bank or account provider's official advice promptly if money or credentials may be affected. Avoid embarrassment delaying the next step. Warn household members about the specific approach in plain language without publishing private details or inviting them to test the suspicious site themselves.
- Update your household's verified contact list after resolving the issue.
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