A January 2024 survey of adults in the United Kingdom (UK) found that nearly 60 percent ignored suspicious messages on social media or instant messaging services or deleted them. Furthermore, over 60 percent said they blocked the account or the number, and only aout 30 percent stated having reported such messages.
Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024
Characteristic
Share of respondents
Blocked the number/account
61%
Ignored/deleted it
59%
Reported it
32%
Told friends/family about it
18%
Checked to see if the number/account is real (e.g. Google search/elsewhere)
17%
Clicked on the link but then realised it was suspicious and didn't do as instructed
7%
Engaged with the scammer (e.g. talked over a call/sent them a message)
5%
Can't remember
3%
Clicked on the link and then did as instructed by the message/person (e.g. called the number shown/provided bank details)
Original question: "Thinking about when you've received suspicious [type of suspicious content/contact]...Which, if any, of the following actions have you taken as a result? (Please select all that apply) Suspicious direct messages on social media or instant messenger (e.g. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype etc.)Â
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Ofcom, & YouGov. (January 31, 2024). Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/
Ofcom, und YouGov. "Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024." Chart. January 31, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/
Ofcom, YouGov. (2024). Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/
Ofcom, and YouGov. "Actions Taken by Adults in The United Kingdom (Uk) after Receiving Suspicious Messages on Social Media or Instant Messenger as of January 2024." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/
Ofcom & YouGov, Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/ (last visited December 19, 2024)
Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious messages on social media or instant messenger as of January 2024 [Graph], Ofcom, & YouGov, January 31, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546873/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-messages-on-socials/
