Fake Three mobile texts claim account suspended due to unpaid balance
Impersonating: Three
What is this scam?
Smishing texts impersonating Three mobile network warn recipients that their account has been suspended due to an outstanding balance and that their number will be cancelled unless they make an immediate payment via an embedded link. Which? flagged this as a new variant active in early October 2026. Three does not contact customers about account issues via unsolicited texts with payment links — any genuine billing notification appears in the Three app or on the official website at three.co.uk.
Example scam message
Three: Your account has been suspended due to an unpaid balance of £23.47. To restore your service and prevent your number being cancelled, pay now: three-account-settle.xyz/pay — Urgent: service will be permanently disconnected in 24 hours. [This is not Three — go directly to three.co.uk or call 333 from your Three phone. Report to 7726]
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 make any payments or provide personal details in response to the message.
- Contact your provider directly using the number on their official website.
- Forward the message to 7726 (free spam reporting).
- 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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