55 million suspicious emails reported by the public

Members of the public have reported 55.7 million suspicious emails to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS).

The free service was created by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2020 and since its launch has resulted in the removal of 250,000 scams across 443,000 malicious websites.

Why you should report phishing scams: ‘Phishing’ is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information.  

The NCSC is a UK government organisation that has the power to investigate and take down scam email addresses and websites. Reporting a scam is free and only takes a minute.

By reporting suspicious emails, messages and calls, you can:  

·  reduce the amount of scam communications you receive

·  make yourself a harder target for scammers

·  protect others from cyber crime online

How to report suspicious emails and text messages: If you’ve received an email or text message that doesn’t feel right, STOP! ·  break the contact – don’t reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers or make any payments · 

check if it’s genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks · 

Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk ·  Report

suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726(it’s free of charge)

How to report suspicious phone calls: If you’ve received a phone call that doesn’t feel right, STOP! ·  hang up ·

check if it’s genuine: contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank ·

don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID. Report it by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the scam caller’s number If you have been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, tell the police at www.reportfraud.police.uk.

For advice and guidance on what to do if you have been a victim of fraud, please visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/recovery-from-fraud/