DEBREACH

Who's There? Scam check, after sign-up

Not sure about a message? Ask before you tap.

Paste in a worrying text, email or WhatsApp message and Debreach tells you, in plain English, whether it has the warning signs of a scam and exactly what to do next. Here's what it says about some real-world examples.

A parcel text

Royal Mail: your parcel could not be delivered due to an unpaid shipping fee. Pay £1.99 here to rearrange delivery: royalmail-redelivery.top/uk

This looks like a scam

  • The link mentions Royal Mail, but it doesn't go to Royal Mail's real website.
  • It asks for a small fee. Asking for a little money is how scammers get your card details.
  • It says you owe money or face a penalty.

What to do: Check any delivery on the courier's own website or app, using the tracking number from the shop.

A message to Mum

Hi Mum, I've dropped my phone. This is my new number. Can you send £300 for the repair? I'll pay you back tomorrow

This looks like a scam

  • It says it's family writing from a new number. This is the "Hi Mum" scam's opening line.
  • It asks you to send money.
  • It promises to pay you back, a common line when a stranger or "family member" asks for money.

What to do: Call your family member on the number you already have for them before doing anything.

A bank alert

Barclays Alert: We have blocked a suspicious transaction. To protect your funds you must move them to a new safe account. Call us urgently on 07700 912455

This looks like a scam

  • It asks you to move money to keep it safe. Banks never ask this: it is always a scam.
  • It threatens something bad unless you act.
  • It puts you under time pressure.

What to do: Worried about your bank account? Ring 159 to reach your bank safely.

A genuine reminder

Reminder from Riverside Surgery: You have an appointment with Dr Patel on 14 Nov at 10:20. To cancel, reply CANCEL or call 0113 496 0123.

We didn't spot the usual warning signs

What to do: We didn't find the usual warning signs, but no checker can catch every scam. If something feels wrong, contact the company yourself using its official website or app, not the message.

The main kinds of scam

Most scams in the UK fall into a handful of types. Each has a tell-tale sign.

Pretending to be a company

Royal Mail, Evri, HMRC, DVLA, your council or a parking firm. The sign: a small fee or fine, and a link that isn't the real website.

Pretending to be your bank or the police

A call or text about fraud on your account. The sign: they ask you to move money to a "safe account" or read out a code. Real banks never do.

Pretending to be family

"Hi Mum, I've lost my phone." The sign: a new number, then an urgent request for money.

Too good to be true

Refunds, prizes, investments with "guaranteed" returns, crypto. The sign: money you weren't expecting, or returns nobody can promise.

Romance

Someone you've only met online. The sign: they're suddenly in trouble and need money, but can never meet or video call.

Fake jobs and shops

Easy work from home, or bargains on websites and marketplaces. The sign: you pay up front, or by bank transfer instead of card.

Taking over your accounts

"I sent my code to your number by mistake." The sign: anyone asking for a code that was texted to you. Never share it.

Check your own messages after sign-up

Scam check comes with sign-up, along with alerts when someone you look after checks a suspicious message.

One email when sign-up opens. Stored encrypted. Remove it any time.

These examples are written in the style of real scams reported in the UK in 2026; the names, numbers and links are made up. No checker can promise a message is safe.