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I received a suspicious message
You don't have to reply. Just because someone sends you a text, email or social media message doesn't mean you have to answer, open a link or do what they're asking.
Even if it claims to be from your bank, a delivery company, the government or someone you know, you can stop and check first. Scammers may try to make you feel worried, curious or rushed.
You're in control. If the message might be important, contact the person or organisation another way that you know is genuine. Simply receiving a suspicious message doesn't mean your device or account has been accessed.
What to do
- Don't feel pressured to respond. You don't owe the sender an answer.
- Look at the actual sender address, the request and whether you were expecting the message.
- If it claims to be from an organisation, open its official app or type its website address yourself.
- If you did nothing else, you can usually report or delete the message and move on.
For a closer look, read Is this email genuine?
If you clicked or shared something
If you only received the message, there is usually no need for urgent action. But if you did any of these things, don't panic. Act promptly:
- You shared a password or personal information: Follow I shared information.
- You sent money: Follow I sent money and contact your bank immediately.
- You installed something or allowed device access: Follow Someone accessed my device. If you only clicked a link, read I clicked a link to work out what happened next.
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