Monthly scam alert · September 2026
The scams going round this month
Here are five scams doing the rounds in the UK right now, each one reported by an official body or consumer group in the last few weeks. None of them are clever once you know the trick. Have a quick read, then pass it on to anyone who'd find it useful.
Seen one of these? Stop and check.
Scam 1
Fake shops selling the new iPhone
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max goes on sale on Friday 18 September, and Which? has found copycat websites already claiming to sell it. The web addresses use words like 'Apple' and 'iPhone 18' to look official, and the pages use countdown timers and low prices to rush you.
The giveaway: A countdown clock and a price well below everyone else's, on a site that isn't Apple or your phone network.
What to do: Buy only from apple.com/uk or your mobile network, and type the address yourself rather than clicking an advert. Report a suspicious site to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Our guide: Is this website legit? How to spot a scam website
Source: Which? scam alerts, 14 September 2026
Scam 2
TV Licence 'payment failed' email
An email addressed to you says your latest TV Licence direct debit didn't go through. It warns of prosecution or a £1,000 fine and gives you a link to renew. Which? says the link leads to a copycat website that steals your personal and financial details.
The giveaway: A threat of a fine plus a link to 'sort it now'.
What to do: Don't click. If you're worried, go to the TV Licensing website by typing the address yourself. Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Our guide: Is this email a scam? Spot phishing and report it
Source: Which? scam alerts, 16 September 2026
Scam 3
'Your bank' text about a standing order
A text sent from an ordinary UK mobile number, claiming to be from Nationwide, says a new standing order has been set up on your account. It gives you a number to call if you didn't make it. That number goes straight to the fraudster. Which? also saw an email version claiming a direct debit to a dental practice had been set up.
The giveaway: The message wants you to ring a number it gives you, not the one on the back of your card.
What to do: Don't call the number in the text. Check your account in your banking app, or call 159 to reach your bank safely. Forward the text to 7726.
Our guide: Is it really your bank calling? How to check, and why to hang up
Source: Which? scam alerts, 26 August 2026
Scam 4
Phone network calls: 'your SIM will be blocked'
Callers claiming to be from Three say your number will stop working in 24 hours or your SIM card will be blocked. A similar set of calls pretends to be O2 offering a discount on your bill, then asks you to read out a code sent to your phone. That code lets them into your account.
The giveaway: Anyone who calls you and asks for a code that's just been texted to you.
What to do: Hang up and call your network on the number from its website or your bill. Never read out a one-time code. Report the call by texting the word call followed by the number to 7726.
Our guide: How to report a scam in the UK: who to tell, and how
Source: Which? scam alerts, 28 August 2026
Scam 5
Student finance texts and emails
The Student Loans Company is paying around £2.6 billion in maintenance support to 1.1 million students this September, and fraudsters know it. Fake messages say a payment has been blocked, bank details need updating, or an account will be closed unless the student acts now. Worth a word with any student in your family.
The giveaway: The Student Loans Company says it will never ask for personal or financial information by email or text, or set an urgent deadline to close an account.
What to do: Log in to the student finance account directly, not through the link. Forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts to 7726.
Our guide: Is this email a scam? Spot phishing and report it
Source: Student Loans Company, GOV.UK, 1 September 2026
Three rules that beat most scams
- If a message makes you panic or rush, stop. That's the scam working.
- Never call a number or click a link from the message. Find the real contact details yourself.
- Your bank or the police will never ask you to move money to a 'safe account', and nobody genuine will ask you to read out a code that's just been texted to you.
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