Fake Ofsted enforcement action texts
Impersonating: Ofsted
What is this scam?
Scam texts claiming to be from Ofsted warn childcare and education providers of a suspension or enforcement action, urging them to click a link or call a number immediately. Ofsted has confirmed it never contacts providers by text message.
Example scam message
OFSTED: Your registration is subject to enforcement action following a recent inspection. You must respond within 48 hours to avoid suspension: ofsted-portal.com/respond
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not click links or call numbers provided in the message.
- Contact the organisation directly using details from their official GOV.UK page.
- Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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Check a message nowSource: NCSC