Scams to watch out for in 2026

Scams were everywhere in 2025, with criminals becoming more convincing and harder to spot. Unfortunately, 2026 looks set to continue the trend, with several new and worrying scams on the rise.

Staying informed, alert, and cautious is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Here are some of the biggest scams to watch out for in the year ahead.

AI-generated scam products

AI tools can make life easier, but they also help scammers. Criminals are now using AI to create realistic images and adverts for fake products. These items are either poor-quality knock-offs or don’t exist at all.

Common fake products include clothing, jewellery, home décor and wellness items.

How to spot AI scam products

• Look for blurry images, odd proportions, or mismatched lines.
• Search online for images of the real product and compare them.
• Be cautious of prices that seem far too cheap, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• Watch out for overly emotional or exaggerated product descriptions.
• Check the business address. Many claim to be UK-based but have overseas return addresses.
• Research the seller and read independent reviews.

If you think you’ve been targeted, report it to Action Fraud.

Recovery scams

This particularly cruel scam targets people who have already been scammed.

Fraudsters pose as recovery agencies or even authorities, claiming they can help get your money back. They often use details from the original scam to sound convincing, then demand upfront fees before disappearing.

How to protect yourself

• Never pay upfront fees, as legitimate recovery services don’t charge this way.
• Be wary of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly offering help.
• Check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• Report both the original scam and any recovery scam attempts to your bank and Action Fraud.

Job scams

Fake job scams were widespread in 2025 and remain a major threat.

They often target jobseekers with promises of high pay, flexible hours, and simple online tasks like liking videos or reviewing hotels.

But before you start, you’re asked to pay fees for training or checks and then the job vanishes.

How to stay safe

• Be sceptical of job offers that sound too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Never pay to get a job. Real employers don’t charge fees or ask you to move money through your own bank account.
• Research the company independently, don’t rely on what they send you.
• Avoid roles that involve group chats, unknown apps, or unusual payment methods.

If you spot an online scam advert, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority. 

Digital arrest scam

With this sophisticated scam, criminals pretend to be law enforcement. They claim you’re linked to a crime and often use AI-generated videos or calls to appear legitimate.

Victims are threatened with arrest unless they pay fines or ‘settlements’.

How to protect yourself

• Stay calm and never share passwords, PINs, or personal details.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls. Verify claims by contacting official agencies using trusted numbers.
• Hang up and don’t click on any links.
• Report suspicious activity to the police or cybercrime helplines.

Toll payment text scams

Scammers send texts claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls and urge you to pay immediately via a link. The aim is to steal your money or personal details.

Legitimate toll operators do not request payment this way.

What to do

• Don’t reply or click on any links.
• Check links carefully, if unsure, don’t click. Use a tool like Bitdefender to scan it for fraud or phishing.
• Verify the charge by logging into your toll account or calling the official number.
• Never share payment or personal details via unsolicited messages.
• Report the text to Action Fraud and block the number.
• Inform the police – call 101 to report what’s happened. 

Amazon text scams

Amazon text scams are becoming more common in the UK.

You may receive a message claiming there’s an urgent issue with an order, pushing you to click a fake link that leads to scammers.

How to stay safe

• Never click links in unexpected texts.
• Contact Amazon directly if you’re unsure.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Contact your bank immediately

If you’ve sent money, call your bank or card provider straight away. They may be able to reverse the payment or refund you under the Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam rules.

Cancel your card

If you shared card details, cancel your card immediately through your banking app or by calling your bank.

Report the scam

You can report fraud to:

• Action Fraud - the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre (online or 0300 123 2040)
• The police - call 101

Keep copies of messages, screenshots, and any communication. These may be needed by your bank or if you make a complaint later.