If you think you’d never reply to a scam message, this month brings a timely reminder that anyone can be caught off guard.
From an impersonator reportedly exchanging messages with the Prime Minister to increasingly sophisticated pension scams and criminals taking control of mobile phone numbers, fraudsters continue to find new ways to make their approaches look genuine.
Here are some of the latest scams to watch out for this August.
Impersonation texts: knowing who you are doesn't mean they are who they say they are
Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently confirmed he exchanged a small number of messages with someone pretending to be Donald Trump’s chief of staff, before becoming suspicious and reporting the contact. Around the same time, the personal mobile numbers of three Cabinet ministers were found publicly available online.
For the rest of us, there’s an important lesson here. Scammers can find names, phone numbers, workplaces and other personal details online or through data breaches and use that information to make an approach much more convincing.
So don’t assume a text is genuine simply because the sender knows something about you. If you receive an unexpected message asking you to share information, make a payment or take urgent action, verify the person independently using contact details you already trust.
Car finance compensation scams
Millions of drivers could potentially be due compensation under the FCA’s motor finance redress scheme – and scammers are taking notice.
Fraudsters may pose as lenders, law firms, claims companies or other organisations, claiming your compensation has already been approved or can be released quickly. Others send phishing texts and emails linking to fake websites designed to collect bank details and personal information. Be particularly wary if someone contacts you unexpectedly, promises guaranteed compensation, pressures you to act quickly or asks you to pay a fee before money can be released.
The FCA’s compensation scheme is free to use and you don’t need a claims company or law firm to access it. But payment is suspended while legal challenges are considered, adding to the uncertainty scammers may try to exploit.
If you do want legal support, make sure you’re dealing with a regulated organisation, understand any fees before signing up and never hand over passwords, PINs or online banking credentials.
Find out more about the car finance compensation scheme and your options.
Charity data breach: be alert for follow-up scams
People who donate to, volunteer with or receive support from charities are being urged to stay vigilant following a cyber incident involving Beacon CRM. Beacon provides customer relationship management software to more than 1,000 charities. It identified unauthorised access to its systems on 29 July and has said copies of customer database backups were made and likely downloaded.
Depending on the charity involved, information stored on the system could include names, email addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses, donation histories, event registrations or other details.
There is currently no evidence that the information has been published or misused. But stolen personal data can make future scams much more convincing. A fraudster who already knows which charity you support, for example, has a useful starting point for a believable phishing email, phone call or donation request.
If a charity contacts you about the incident, read its advice carefully. Be particularly cautious of unexpected follow-up messages asking you to click a link, make a payment or provide personal information. If in doubt, contact the charity using details from its official website.
Our guide to what to do after a data breach has more steps you can take to protect yourself.
Pension scams are getting harder to spot
Which? is warning savers that pension scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with victims losing an average of £47,000 in 2025.
AI is making it easier for criminals to create professional-looking websites, convincing documents and even deepfake voices or images. And some of the things we instinctively use to judge whether a business looks trustworthy – slick websites, positive reviews or social media adverts – can now be manufactured surprisingly easily.
Cold calling about pensions has been banned since 2019. Be suspicious of anyone who unexpectedly offers you a pension review or investment opportunity. Also watch for pressure to transfer money quickly, promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns, or offers to release pension money before you would normally be allowed to access it.
And don’t rely on appearances alone. If someone claims to represent a regulated firm, check the FCA register yourself and make sure the phone number and contact details match those listed there.
Fake parking payment texts
Drivers are once again being targeted by texts claiming they have an unpaid parking charge.
Recent warnings have focused on messages impersonating parking services. The texts typically tell recipients they owe money and include a link to make a payment or avoid further penalties. The link instead takes them to a fake website designed to steal personal and financial information.
These scams can be particularly convincing because many of us use several different parking apps and may not immediately remember how or where we paid.
Don’t click a payment link in an unexpected message. Open the official parking app or website yourself and check your payment and parking history there. Suspicious texts can also be forwarded to 7726 for free.
SIM swap scams: don't hand over that code
Trading Standards has issued a warning about a growing SIM swap scam targeting mobile users. It starts with a cold call from someone pretending to work for your mobile network. They may claim your SIM is outdated, faulty or needs replacing as part of a free 5G upgrade.
The caller then asks you to read out a one-time passcode sent to your phone. But instead of approving an upgrade, that code can allow the criminal to transfer your mobile number to a SIM under their control.
Your own phone may suddenly display “No Service”. Meanwhile, the scammer can potentially receive security texts and two-factor authentication codes intended for you, giving them a route into banking and other online accounts.
Never read a one-time passcode or verification code to an unsolicited caller. If someone claims to be from your mobile provider, hang up and contact the network yourself using the number on your bill or its official website.
If your phone unexpectedly loses service and you suspect a SIM swap, contact your mobile provider and bank immediately.
Stay one step ahead
Different scams, same pressure. Whether you’re told compensation is waiting, your parking fine is overdue or your phone needs an urgent upgrade, fraudsters want you to act before you’ve had time to check.
Slow things down. Don’t rely on the information a caller or message gives you to prove they’re genuine, and always verify unexpected contact independently.
For clear, practical scam updates throughout 2026, and guidance on your rights if something goes wrong, sign up to the Join the Claim newsletter.
