Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) website has been urged to "not ignore" a text which was sent on Wednesday as they could be at risk of scams.

The Metropolitan Police has contacted thousands people across the UK whose personal data may have been harvested by scammers. According to the MET, an online platform called "Labhost" was set up in 2021 and was used by more than 2,000 criminals to create a range of phishing websites impersonating trusted organisations and businesses such as banks, healthcare providers, postal services and more.

Criminals then use these fake websites to get personal information and private data from individuals across the world. In the UK, around 70,000 people fell victim to the scams and had their card numbers, pins, and passwords stolen. This service has now been shut down as part of a joint law enforcement operation led by the Met.

The MET police contacted 25,000 on Thursday, April 18 through text and email whose personal data may have been harvested by fraudsters. Those contacted will also be sent a letter in the coming few days. The MSE website warns those who receive one of these letters to "do not ignore".

If you received a message but were wary of it then don't worry. Martin Lewis' team shared how to check whether the message you received is genuine. Firstly, the texts and emails were only sent on Wednesday 17, between 4pm and 6pm. If you received a message outside of this allotted time slot - then it should be ignored.

The text, email or letter will say which website scammers impersonated to get your details. If the message does not contain this, then you should ignore it. Alongside this, genuine texts and emails from the Met will not contain any links or attachments. If you spot these,

If you have received a message, the MSE team said you should change your online passwords across all your sensitive accounts such as email, online banking and mobile phone accounts. You should also check your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity. The MSE team also say it is worth checking your credit reports, as fraudsters may be able to use details they've stolen from you to apply for credit in your name.

Alongside this, MSE urges Brits to "be extremely suspicious" about any calls they receive claiming to be from trusted organisation s such as their bank. The added: "Scammers often use information gathered from phishing websites to gain your trust in follow-up phone calls – and they can fake the caller ID to make it seem like the real thing."

The MSE team reiterated that genuine service providers, banks and the police will never call asking you to transfer money, share personal financial details or hand over remote control of your computer. Martin Lewis' MSE say if you're suspicious at all, or feel pressured into anything, you should just hang up the phone.

For further guidance and support relating to the messages, you can call the Met Police's dedicated phone line on 0207 230 8603. This line will be open from 8am to 8pm daily until Sunday 21 April. You can also email CyberProtect at the Met at cyberprotect@met.police.uk.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website. If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.

The Government says suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk so they can be investigated by its National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Possible scam texts can also be forwarded for free to 7726 - this will report the message to your mobile phone provider.