March often brings a new wave of fraud attempts, with criminals using everything from fake police calls to phishing emails and pension scams.
Many of these scams rely on pressure, impersonation and trust.
Here are some of the latest warnings to be aware of this month.
Tax scams during filing season
As the end of the UK tax year approaches, scammers often step up their activity.
Criminals frequently impersonate tax authorities or financial services. When people expect messages about tax returns, refunds or account updates, fraudulent emails and texts can appear far more convincing.
These messages often create urgency, pressuring people to click a link or confirm personal details immediately.
The links typically lead to fake websites designed to capture sensitive information such as login details, bank account numbers or verification codes.
A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk:
- Be cautious of unexpected messages about tax refunds or account problems
- Avoid clicking links in emails or texts claiming to be from tax authorities
- Go directly to the official website if you need to check your tax account
- Never share passwords, security codes or bank details in response to unsolicited messages
Taking a moment to pause and verify a message can prevent your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Friendship fraud targeting older people
Banks and charities are warning about a rise in so-called “friendship fraud”, where criminals build relationships with victims online before asking for money.
Fraudsters often contact people through social media groups or direct messages. They may spend weeks or months building trust before making small requests for help — for example claiming they need money for groceries, travel or medical bills.
The requests can start small but quickly escalate. In some cases, victims have made dozens of payments over several years, losing thousands of pounds.
Experts say older people who are isolated or recently bereaved are particularly vulnerable. If a new online friendship starts involving requests for money, that’s a major warning sign.
If you are concerned, check out Age UK advice about scams. You can also contact them free on 0800 169 65 65.
Fake police phone calls
Several police forces are advising caution over fraudsters pretending to be police officers investigating a supposed crime.
Victims may receive a call claiming their bank account has been linked to fraud. The caller then pressures them to make payments or buy gift cards to “resolve the issue”.
In one recent case, a victim was persuaded to transfer nearly £3,000 in vouchers.
Criminals can make the call appear genuine by using number spoofing, which disguises their phone number so it looks like a legitimate organisation. Real police officers will never ask for money, gift vouchers or bank details or gift vouchers over the phone.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the police directly using official contact details.
Gmail phishing emails
Security experts are warning Gmail users about a new phishing campaign designed to steal login details.
The emails appear to come from Google and claim that your account may be deactivated unless you verify your details immediately. Victims are directed to a fake login page where criminals capture usernames, passwords and verification codes.
These messages often rely on urgency to trigger panic.
To stay safe:
- Check the sender’s email address carefully
- Be wary of generic greetings like “Dear user”
- Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails
- Go directly to the official website to log into your account.
Pension scams
The Pensions Regulator has warned that criminals continue to impersonate pension providers or financial advisers in attempts to access retirement funds.
Victims may be encouraged to transfer their pension into supposedly higher-return investments or asked to provide personal information that allows criminals to gain access to their accounts.
The financial impact can be severe. Pension fraud cases have resulted in average losses of tens of thousands of pounds.
If you are contacted unexpectedly about your pension, take time to verify the request and seek independent advice before taking action.
Stay one step ahead
Scams evolve constantly, but most rely on the same tactics: urgency, impersonation and emotional pressure. Taking a moment to pause and verify a request can prevent serious financial loss.
For clear, practical scam updates throughout 2026, and guidance on your rights if something goes wrong, sign up to the Join the Claim newsletter.
