United Kingdom
Scams in Manchester
Active scams and fraud schemes targeting people in Manchester (550K population). These scams are tracked across United Kingdom and are known to affect residents in the Manchester area. Learn the warning signs, check what is trending, and find out where to report.
Report fraud in Manchester
Where to report scams
If you have been scammed in Manchester, report it through the official United Kingdom channels. Acting fast improves your chances of recovery and helps protect others in your area.
Scam index
Scams affecting people in Manchester
486 scams tracked across United Kingdom
cold call tech support scam
Scammers call victims unprompted, claiming to be from a major tech company, and warn of a fictitious security issue to gain remote access or extract payment.
Hang up immediately as legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited support calls
Older adults
U.S.
Microsoft impersonator tech support scam
Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.
Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
tech support refund overpayment scam
Scammers claim you are owed a refund for a tech support subscription, then pretend to accidentally deposit too much and ask you to return the difference.
Never allow remote access to process a refund as legitimate companies do not operate this way
Older adults
U.S.
screen-sharing bank access trap scam
Scammers use screen-sharing during fake tech support sessions to watch victims log into bank accounts, then take control to transfer money.
Never log into financial accounts during any screen-sharing session initiated by an incoming caller
Older adults
U.S.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
FaceTime screen recording scam
Scammers initiate a FaceTime call, trick the victim into sharing sensitive information on screen, then use the recording for blackmail or identity theft.
Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Apple support call scam
Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
Older adults
U.S.
Find My iPhone ransom scam
After compromising an Apple ID, scammers use Find My to remotely lock the victim's iPhone or Mac and display a ransom message demanding payment to unlock it.
Contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com with proof of ownership to regain access to your account.
iPhone users
U.S.
Windows license expired popup scam
A fake browser popup claims your Windows license has expired and you must call a support number or pay immediately to reactivate, leading to tech support fraud.
Close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) if the popup cannot be dismissed normally.
Windows users
U.S.
fake Microsoft support call scam
A caller claiming to be from Microsoft says they have detected a virus or security problem on your computer and requests remote access to fix it for a fee.
Hang up immediately — Microsoft will never call you unsolicited about your computer.
Older adults
U.S.
Windows Defender alert popup scam
A fake browser popup mimics a Windows Defender alert claiming your computer is infected, urging you to call a fraudulent support number immediately.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and use Task Manager to force-close the browser — do not call the number.
Windows users
U.S.
religious charity donation scam
Scammers exploit religious trust by posing as faith-based charities or church representatives to solicit donations that are never used for their stated religious or charitable purpose.
Verify religious charities through your denomination's official directories and on Charity Navigator
Religious communities
U.S.
fake animal rescue charity scam
Scammers set up fake animal rescue organizations or social media accounts to collect donations using photos of abused or injured animals they are not actually helping.
Verify animal rescues through your state's charity registry and the BBB
Pet lovers
U.S.
fake child sponsorship charity scam
Scammers impersonate or create fake child sponsorship programs, collecting monthly donations that never reach any children in need.
Only sponsor children through well-established organizations verified on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
Donors
U.S.
holiday season giving scam
Scammers exploit the generosity of the holiday season with fake charitable appeals, pop-up organizations, and impersonation of well-known charities to steal donations.
Take time to research any charity before donating, even during the holidays
Donors
U.S.
crowdfunding community project fraud
Scammers create crowdfunding campaigns for fake community projects such as parks, memorials, or neighborhood improvements, collect donations, and disappear.
Verify that community project campaigns are endorsed by local government or established nonprofits
Donors
U.S.
Amazon account suspension scam
An email or text claims your Amazon account has been suspended due to suspicious activity and directs you to a fake login page to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Log in to Amazon directly by typing amazon.com into your browser — never through email links.
Online consumers
U.S.
Apple ID locked scam
A message claims your Apple ID has been locked or will be disabled and directs you to a fake Apple website to enter your credentials, giving scammers access to your iCloud, payments, and devices.
Check your Apple ID status by going directly to appleid.apple.com — never through links in emails.
Online consumers
U.S.
bank fraud department impersonation scam
A caller or texter claims to be from your bank's fraud department, warns about suspicious transactions, and convinces you to share account details or transfer money to a 'safe' account.
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website.
Account holders
U.S.
ISP service interruption scam
An email or call impersonating your internet service provider claims there is a billing issue or security threat and asks you to verify your account by providing personal or payment details.
Log in to your ISP account directly through the official website to check for any genuine billing issues.
Online consumers
U.S.
streaming account compromised scam
A phishing email claims your Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming account has been compromised or your payment failed, directing you to a fake login page to steal your credentials.
Go directly to the streaming service's website or app to check your account status.
Online consumers
U.S.
shipping company impersonation scam
A message impersonating a major shipping company claims a package requires action — such as updating delivery details or paying a fee — and directs to a phishing site.
Check delivery status only through the carrier's official website or app using your tracking number.
Online consumers
U.S.
social media platform impersonation scam
A message claims your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account has been flagged for violation and asks you to verify your identity through a fake login page to avoid account deletion.
Check account status by logging into the platform directly — not through links in messages.
Online consumers
U.S.
antivirus subscription renewal scam
A fake email or pop-up claims your antivirus subscription is expiring or has been auto-renewed for a large amount and directs you to call a number or click a link to cancel or get a refund.
Check your actual antivirus subscription status by logging into the official vendor's website directly.
Online consumers
U.S.
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