Scam alerts

The biggest scams of 2025

Fraud incidents rose sharply from 3.2m (2023-24) to 4.2m (2024-25). It's realistic to expect that you'll encounter a scam at some point, but knowing what you're most likely to face can help you avoid falling victim.

Our scams expert, Tali Ramsey, examines the most widespread scams of 2025, including the rise in AI hoaxes and account hacking, so you can know how to spot these scams and what to watch out for in 2026.

What was big this year

Fake customer service accounts on social media

If you're having problems with an online order, complaining on social media is an effective way to get a company's attention, especially if it's not responding to you on other channels.

However, we found scammers posing as customer service agents for retailers and couriers, attempting to trick customers into sharing their personal data. We expose their tactics and explain how to complain safely on social media.

Don't get caught out

Share the safety

Staying informed is the best defence against scams. You're already receiving our scam alerts, helping you stay one step ahead of the latest threats.

Why not extend that protection to your loved ones? Share this email with your friends and family so they can also stay safe and informed.

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'A hacker scammed my friends with fake Oasis tickets'

Jonny, an Instagram user, told Which? of his panic after being locked out of his account by hackers while they conducted a ticketing scam targeting his friends and followers.

Sadly, this story isn't unique. We look at Jonny's experience of recovering a hacked account and explain how to secure your social media account against scammers.

How to stay safe

Steer clear of fake Facebook competitions

Facebook users are being lured into expensive monthly subscriptions by scammers peddling 'mystery boxes' and cheap goods from retailers such as Boots, Decathlon and Screwfix.

These fake giveaways can result in repeated charges for subscriptions to random, unwanted websites. We expose the telltale signs to look out for and explain how to get your money back if you get caught by one.

Read our warning