Scams › This week
Scams going round this week
The scams we have checked in the last two weeks, in plain words. Bookmark this page: it updates as we publish new checks. Last updated 27 September 2026.
Check a message now ↓FAKENo. In September 2026 Singapore police warned of a resurgence of fake task jobs, with at least 12 cases and at least S$71,000 lost since 25 August. The US Federal Trade Commission warns that these jobs end with you paying in your own money, and says real employers do not recruit this way. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular offer.
What to do: Ignore job offers you did not apply for. Never pay money or cryptocurrency to start a job, unlock tasks or withdraw earnings. If you have paid, stop paying, call your bank straight away and report it to the police. Be wary of anyone offering to recover your money for a fee.
Published 27 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
FAKENo. On 17 September 2026 the FBI warned that criminals pretend to be police and government officials, and said real authorities will never phone or text to demand payment. Police in Canada and Pennsylvania issued similar warnings on 24 and 25 September. UK police say they will never come to your home to collect money or your bank card. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular call.
What to do: Hang up. Then call the police or the agency on a number you look up yourself, from a different phone or after waiting five minutes, because scammers can keep the line open. Never hand money, gold or your card to a courier. If you have paid or shared bank details, call your bank straight away and report it to the police.
Published 27 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
FAKENo. On 16 September 2026 police in Dothan, Alabama said texts claiming a technician was about to disconnect services were fake, and that utility technicians do not text customers about shutoffs. The US Federal Trade Commission says real utility companies won't demand immediate payment to avoid same-day disconnection. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular message.
What to do: Do not reply, click or call the number in the message. Call your utility company on the number printed on your bill, or log in to your account on its website by typing the address yourself. Never pay a bill with gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you paid or shared card details, call your bank straight away.
Published 26 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
FAKENo. On 21 September 2026 police on the Isle of Man said they had received a high number of calls about texts demanding payment of a traffic fine through a link. UK transport authorities and the US Federal Trade Commission have warned about the same kind of message. All of them say: do not click, and check any fine yourself through official channels. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular message.
What to do: Do not click the link or scan the code. If you think you might really have a fine, look it up on the official website of the police, council or court by typing the address yourself, or call them on a number you already have. If you paid or entered card details, call your bank straight away. In the UK, the US and Canada you can forward the text to 7726 for free.
Published 26 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
FAKENo. On 7 September 2026 police in Northern Ireland said a victim lost £250,000 after seeing what appeared to be an AI-generated video of a well-known financial personality promoting an investment. Police say an advert or apparent celebrity endorsement should never be treated as proof that an investment is genuine. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular advert.
Published 23 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
FAKENo. The Postal Inspection Service identifies this pattern as impersonation. This is a review of its documented warning, not an assessment of a particular reader’s message or every parcel notification.
Published 22 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Common scams in plain words
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.