🚫 Don’t Get Hooked: Join Lincolnshire’s Fight Against Phishing Scams

Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated – but so are we. Thanks to the vigilance of people across the UK, over 41 million suspicious emails and texts have already been reported, resulting in the removal of more than 217,000 scam operations. Now, we’re asking Lincolnshire residents to keep up the momentum and protect our communities from cybercriminals.

📩 What is phishing – and why should you care?

‘Phishing’ is when scammers pose as trusted companies (like your bank, a delivery firm or a government agency) and try to trick you into clicking a dodgy link or giving away personal details. It can happen by email, text message (known as ‘smishing’), phone call (‘vishing’), or even via a fake QR code (‘quishing’).

These scams are designed to look real – but a quick pause can stop them in their tracks.

🛡️ Quick ways to protect yourself

Suspicious Email?

• ❌ Don’t click links or open attachments
• ✅ Check it’s genuine using details from your bank or provider’s website
• 📧 Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk

Dodgy Text?

• 📱 Don’t reply or click
• 🚫 Don’t call any number in the message
• 📤 Forward it to 7726 (it’s free)

Strange Phone Call?

• ☎️ Hang up immediately
• 🔍 Look up the organisation yourself – or dial 159 for your bank
• 📲 Report the number by texting ‘call [number]’ to 7726

🔍 What scams look like

Criminals often pretend to be:

• Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+
• Phone companies or tech giants
• HMRC, NHS or local government schemes

The messages usually ask you to “click here”, “log in now”, or “verify your identity”. Always stop and think: Was I expecting this?

👮 Why reporting matters

Every report you make helps experts at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Action Fraud shut down criminal networks and protect others. More reports = fewer victims.

Supt. Amanda Wolf, from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, says:

“Scammers are constantly adapting. Your report could be the one that takes down their latest trick.”

Sarah Lyons from NCSC adds:

“Thanks to the public, we’ve dismantled thousands of scams. But cyber criminals don’t give up easily – and neither should we.”

💬 What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think you’ve handed over personal or financial details:

• Call your bank immediately
• Report the scam at actionfraud.police.uk or phone 0300 123 2040
• In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101

🌟 Let’s keep Lincolnshire safe

Lincolnshire County Council is encouraging everyone to share this message with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues – especially those less confident with technology. Every report strengthens our community defence.

Need more advice? Visit stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk for clear guidance.

🧠 Stop. Think Fraud.

📣 Let’s make Lincolnshire one of the safest places in the UK to live, work, and go online.