Common telephone scams include investment, pension or computer support scams.
The person calling is often extremely professional and may pretend to be from a trusted organisation such as your bank, the police or another company you recognise. The caller may have some of your information to make them seem genuine.
If you take an unexpected call from someone you don’t know, ask yourself the following questions
- Is the caller asking you to send any money anywhere?
- Do they want my bank or personal details?
- Are they after my money for ‘safekeeping’ or to ‘help catch a criminal’?
If you do this, it will help you to keep your information and money safe.
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the call is probably a scam. Hang up and, use another phone and seek a second opinion from a friend, family member or advice organisation before you do or say anything.
Fraudsters will sometimes claim to be from real organisations. If you’re not sure about a call, hang up and make sure you have ended the call. Contact the organisation on a number you already have, one you know and trust – not one the caller just gave you – and they’ll be able to tell you whether the call was legitimate.
If you suspect it is a fraudulent call, you can report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk for more information.
Prevent phone scams:
- Sometimes the fraudsters stay on the line and play a dial tone to make you think they have hung up. It’s worth checking the call has ended, call a friend or the automated switchboard for Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- You can have your number made ex-directory so that it won’t appear in any directories. Visit tpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 070 0707 to record your preference to not receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls.
- You can make a formal complaint about nuisance calls to the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) on 01625 545 745 or go to ico.org.uk.