A January 2024 survey of adults in the United Kingdom (UK) found that 70 percent ignored suspicious e-mails or deleted them. Furthermore, over 50 percent said they blocked the account, and only over 30 percent stated having reported such e-mails.
Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024
Characteristic
Share of respondents
Ignored/deleted it
70%
Blocked the number/account
54%
Reported it
32%
Checked to see if the number/account is real (e.g. Google search/elsewhere)
23%
Told friends/family about it
20%
Clicked on the link but then realised it was suspicious and didn't do as instructed
11%
Engaged with the scammer (e.g. talked over a call/sent them a message)
2%
Other
2%
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 e-mails."
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Ofcom, & YouGov. (January 31, 2024). Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/
Ofcom, und YouGov. "Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024." Chart. January 31, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/
Ofcom, YouGov. (2024). Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/
Ofcom, and YouGov. "Actions Taken by Adults in The United Kingdom (Uk) after Receiving Suspicious E-mails as of January 2024." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/
Ofcom & YouGov, Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/ (last visited December 19, 2024)
Actions taken by adults in the United Kingdom (UK) after receiving suspicious e-mails as of January 2024 [Graph], Ofcom, & YouGov, January 31, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1546876/uk-adults-actions-taken-suspicious-e-mails/
