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p 10 Scam Calls Plaguing the UK
Find out how to prevent and report scam calls.
Phone scams continue to be a major issue for both landline and mobile users across the UK. Millions of people have searched for offending numbers on Who Called Me since February 2024, with London and South East England seeing the highest number of searches.
Here’s everything you need to know about the most common phone scams, and what to do if you find yourself targeted by these scammers.
🔝 Top 10 Scam Calls
Who Called Me compiles reports of suspicious numbers from the public, allowing users to search for details about scam numbers and share their experiences. Between 1 February and 30 June 2024, the top 10 most-searched scam calls on the platform were:
📱 Phone Contract Scam
Searches: 3,419,100💸 Debt Scam
Searches: 1,568,776🔌 Utility Scam
Searches: 1,494,591⚡ Energy Scam
Searches: 1,428,304📄 Billing Scam
Searches: 1,298,175🏠 Insulation Scam
Searches: 1,044,064🏦 Bank Scam
Searches: 987,423💼 Life Insurance Scam
Searches: 943,588
🕵️♂️ How Phone Scams Work
Scammers often use a tactic known as 'spoofing' to disguise their real phone numbers. This can make it appear as though they’re calling from a legitimate business, local area, or even your own country, making it harder to detect the fraud.
Who Called Me has received over 1,170 reports of suspected spoofed numbers in the past few months. In some cases, scammers have even hijacked personal numbers for fraudulent use.
🔧 What’s Being Done About Number Spoofing?
Scammers frequently use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to make their fraudulent calls, allowing them to manipulate the Caller ID. Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, has been working on measures to combat this issue:
- 📵 Blocking Spoofed Calls from Abroad: Operators are required to block calls that spoof UK numbers.
- 📡 Identifying Spoofed Calls: Exploring ways to distinguish between legitimate calls and those using spoofed UK numbers.
- 🚨 Enforcing Regulations: Ofcom has launched a programme to identify and prevent telecom providers from allowing scam calls to reach UK numbers.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, and the issue of number spoofing continues to be a serious concern.
🚫 Avoiding Phone Scams
- 🔐 Never Share Personal Info: Don’t reveal financial or personal information over the phone.
- 🛡️ Register with TPS: Sign up for the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to block legitimate companies from making unsolicited calls.
- 🚫 Install a Call Blocker: Use a call-blocking device or app to filter out nuisance calls.
- 📞 Use a Different Phone: If you need to call back, use a different phone or wait 15 minutes to ensure the scammer hasn’t kept the line open.
- 📱 Call 159 for Bank Queries: If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call 159 to be connected to your bank’s genuine customer service line.
🚨 Reporting Scam Callers
- 📱 iPhone Users: Report scam calls by texting ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726.
- 🤖 Android Users: Text ‘call’ to 7726 and follow the instructions to report the number.
- 💬 WhatsApp Scams: Block and report the scammer by opening the chat, selecting ‘Block’, and then choosing ‘Report Contact’.
You can also search for and report suspicious numbers on the Who Called Me website. If you fall victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card, and report the incident to Action Fraud. If you’re in Scotland, call the police on 101.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself from these pervasive scams. Remember to report any suspicious activity and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can fight back against these scammers and protect our communities.
💼 What to Do if You’re Targeted by Scam Calls
If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a scam call, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
📵 Hang Up Immediately: If a caller asks for sensitive information or something doesn’t feel right, hang up without engaging further.
🗣️ Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide your bank details, passwords, or any other personal information over the phone unless you’re absolutely sure of the caller’s identity.
🔄 Verify the Caller: If the call claims to be from a legitimate company, hang up and call back using an official number from the company’s website or your latest bill.
📴 Block the Number: Most smartphones allow you to block numbers. After receiving a suspicious call, block the number to prevent further contact.
📢 Report the Scam: Report the incident to your phone provider and to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
🔍 Identifying Common Scam Tactics
Scammers often use various psychological tactics to trick you into divulging information or making payments. Here are some common tactics to be aware of:
💣 Urgency and Threats: Scammers may claim there’s an urgent issue with your bank account, tax return, or a family member in trouble, pushing you to act quickly without thinking.
🎁 Too Good to Be True Offers: Beware of calls offering free holidays, large sums of money, or other prizes. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
👮 Posing as Authorities: Fraudsters might pretend to be from the police, HMRC, or your bank to intimidate you into compliance.
👤 Familiar Names: Scammers can spoof the names and numbers of trusted contacts from your phone, making it appear as though a call is coming from someone you know.
🛡️ Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones
Awareness and education are your first lines of defence against phone scams. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
👵 Educate Elderly Family Members: Elderly people are often targeted by scammers. Make sure they know not to give out personal information over the phone and to contact you or another trusted person if they receive a suspicious call.
🖥️ Regularly Update Your Devices: Ensure that your phone’s software is up to date, as updates often include security enhancements.
🔐 Use Strong Passwords: For online banking and other sensitive accounts, use strong, unique passwords, and consider enabling two-factor authentication.
🛑 Register for Call-Blocking Services: Some phone providers offer services that automatically block known scam numbers. Check with your provider to see what options are available.
📝 Thoughts To Consider
Phone scams are a persistent issue that requires constant vigilance. By staying informed, taking preventative measures, and knowing how to respond if you receive a suspicious call, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Remember, if something feels off, it’s always better to hang up and verify the call through official channels. Reporting scams not only helps protect you but also helps others by making these fraudulent activities known to authorities and service providers.
If you need further assistance or if you’re unsure about a suspicious call, email, or message, don’t hesitate to contact the IT-UK Consumer Research team for help on 01494240083. We’re here to support you and ensure you stay safe from scams.
Questions & Answers
How Can I Identify a Scam Call Quickly?
Identifying a scam call quickly involves being aware of certain red flags that are commonly associated with fraudulent activity:
Unsolicited Contact: If you receive a call from a number or company you don’t recognize, especially if you didn’t initiate the contact, be cautious. Scammers often reach out unexpectedly.
Urgency and Pressure: Scammers frequently try to create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is required. They might say your bank account is compromised, your computer has a virus, or you owe money to the government. This pressure is designed to make you act without thinking.
Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information like bank details, passwords, or social security numbers over the phone. If a caller asks for such information, it’s likely a scam.
Too Good to Be True Offers: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as winning a lottery you never entered or being offered a free vacation. These are often ploys to get you to share personal details or make a payment.
Spoofed Numbers: Scammers can spoof numbers to make it look like they are calling from a local or known number. If the call seems suspicious, don’t trust the caller ID alone. Hang up and call the company directly using a known, trusted number.
Inconsistent Information: If the caller is inconsistent in their information, gets defensive when questioned, or refuses to provide verifiable details, these are strong indicators of a scam.
What Should I Do if I Receive a Scam Call?
If you receive a scam call, it’s important to take the following steps:
Hang Up Immediately: The moment you suspect that the call is a scam, hang up. Do not engage with the caller or provide any information.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give out your personal, financial, or security information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain about the identity of the caller.
Verify the Caller: If the caller claims to be from a known organization, such as your bank or a government agency, hang up and call them back using an official number from their website or a statement you have received.
Report the Call: Report the scam call to your phone provider and to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can also report it by texting the word ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726, a service available to both iPhone and Android users.
Block the Number: Use your phone’s settings to block the number so that you don’t receive calls from it again. Most smartphones allow you to easily block numbers.
Inform Others: If you believe others might be targeted by the same scam, inform friends, family, or colleagues to raise awareness.
Are There Any Apps That Help Block Scam Calls?
Yes, several apps are designed to help block scam calls by identifying and filtering out suspicious numbers. Some popular options include:
Truecaller: This app identifies unknown callers and blocks unwanted calls. It has a large database of spam numbers, and users can report numbers to help others avoid scams.
Hiya: Hiya provides caller ID and spam detection. It automatically blocks known spam numbers and lets you manually block additional numbers.
RoboKiller: RoboKiller uses predictive call-blocking technology to stop spam calls before they reach you. It also offers features like answering bot technology that wastes scammers’ time.
Nomorobo: Available in the UK, Nomorobo blocks known spam and robocall numbers. It maintains a continually updated list of spam numbers and prevents them from ringing your phone.
Mr. Number: This app blocks unwanted calls and texts and warns you of potential scams. It also allows you to report numbers, which helps other users avoid scams.
How Effective Are the Measures Proposed by Ofcom to Combat Scam Calls?
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, has proposed several measures to combat scam calls, and while they are promising, their effectiveness varies:
Blocking of Spoofed Calls from Abroad: Ofcom requires telecom operators to block calls from abroad that spoof UK numbers. This is a significant step forward in reducing the number of scam calls, especially those pretending to be from local numbers. However, its success depends on the cooperation and technology of all telecom operators.
Enforcement Programme: Ofcom’s enforcement programme focuses on identifying and preventing telecom providers that allow scam and spoofed calls. This initiative helps to hold providers accountable, but it requires ongoing monitoring and enforcement to be effective.
Improving Call Tracing Processes: Enhanced call tracing processes are intended to identify the origin of scam calls more efficiently. This measure is crucial in tackling the issue, but its effectiveness depends on the technology’s accuracy and the speed at which it can trace calls.
CLI Authentication: Although Ofcom considered introducing Calling Line Identification (CLI) authentication to verify the legitimacy of the caller’s number, it ultimately decided not to proceed. If implemented, CLI authentication could significantly reduce spoofing, but without it, this remains a gap in the current measures.
Overall, while Ofcom’s measures are valuable steps in the right direction, the evolving nature of scam tactics means that continued adaptation and additional measures may be necessary to keep up with new threats.
What Are the Most Common Tactics Used by Scammers in These Calls?
Scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive and manipulate their victims during phone calls. Here are some of the most common:
Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate the caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source, such as your bank, a government agency, or a local business. This increases the chances that you’ll answer the call and believe the scam.
Urgency and Fear: A common tactic is to create a sense of urgency or fear. Scammers may claim that your bank account has been compromised, your taxes are overdue, or that you are facing legal action. This pressure is intended to make you act quickly without thinking.
Impersonation: Fraudsters often impersonate authority figures or representatives from reputable organizations. They might claim to be from HMRC, your bank, the police, or a well-known company, and demand immediate payment or personal information.
Too Good to Be True Offers: Scammers lure victims by offering fake prizes, lottery winnings, or investment opportunities. These offers usually require you to pay a small fee or provide personal information to claim your “reward.”
Phishing for Information: Scammers might ask for sensitive information, such as your bank details, passwords, or PINs. They often disguise these requests as verification steps to resolve a non-existent issue.
Threats and Intimidation: Some scammers use aggressive tactics, threatening legal action, arrest, or fines if you don’t comply with their demands. This can be particularly distressing for vulnerable individuals.
Fake Technical Support: In this scam, the caller claims to be from a tech company like Microsoft, stating that your computer has a virus or other issues. They then try to convince you to install software or give them remote access, which allows them to steal your data or install malware.
Investment Scams: These scams involve offers of high-return, low-risk investments. The scammers use convincing language and fake success stories to persuade you to invest money, which you’ll never see again.
What Legal Recourse Do I Have If I Fall Victim to a Scam Call?
If you fall victim to a scam call, there are several steps you can take to seek legal recourse and protect yourself:
Report the Scam: Immediately report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. This helps authorities track and potentially prosecute scammers. If you're in Scotland, report it to Police Scotland via 101.
Contact Your Bank: If you provided financial information or made a payment, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. They may be able to stop the payment or recover the funds.
File a Complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): If the scam involved misuse of your personal data, you can file a complaint with the ICO, which oversees data protection laws in the UK.
Seek Legal Advice: Depending on the severity of the scam, you may want to consult with a solicitor to explore legal actions such as suing the scammer for damages, though this can be challenging if the scammer is difficult to trace.
Consumer Protection Laws: The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006 provide some protections against fraudulent practices. While these laws primarily target businesses, they can also apply in cases where individuals engage in deceitful practices that lead to financial loss.
How Can I Protect My Personal Information from Being Used in Scam Calls?
Protecting your personal information is key to avoiding becoming a target of scam calls:
Be Cautious with Information Sharing: Only share your personal information with trusted entities, and avoid doing so over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Use Strong Passwords and Security Questions: Ensure your online accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords and security questions that are not easily guessed.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and online accounts for any unusual activity. Early detection can help you respond quickly if your information is compromised.
Shred Sensitive Documents: Physical documents containing personal information should be shredded before disposal to prevent dumpster divers from accessing your data.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts where available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
Stay Informed: Stay up to date on the latest scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Knowledge is one of the best defences against falling victim to a scam.
Can I Sue a Scam Caller or the Company They Claim to Represent?
Suing a scam caller can be challenging, but there are circumstances where it may be possible:
Identifying the Scammer: The biggest hurdle in suing a scam caller is identifying them. Many scammers operate from outside the UK, making it difficult to track them down and bring legal action.
Suing for Damages: If you suffer financial loss due to a scam, you may be able to sue for damages in a civil court. However, this typically requires evidence of the scammer’s identity and proof of your loss.
Action Against Companies: If a scammer impersonates a legitimate company, the company itself is generally not liable unless it can be proven they were negligent in protecting their customers’ information. However, you can report the incident to the company, which may take its own action to prevent further scams.
Class Action Lawsuits: In some cases, multiple victims of a scam may come together to file a class action lawsuit. This can be more effective than individual lawsuits, especially when dealing with large-scale fraud.
Seek Help from Consumer Protection Agencies: Organizations like Citizens Advice or the Financial Ombudsman Service can offer guidance and support if you believe you have a case against a scammer or company.
How Can Businesses Protect Themselves and Their Customers from Scam Calls?
Businesses can take several measures to protect both themselves and their customers from scam calls:
Employee Training: Train employees to recognize and handle suspicious calls, particularly those requesting sensitive information or money transfers.
Secure Communication Channels: Use secure communication methods for customer interactions. Encourage customers to use these channels and avoid discussing sensitive information over the phone.
Proactive Customer Alerts: Notify customers about known scams and provide advice on how to verify legitimate communication from your company.
Caller Verification: Implement caller verification processes where customers can confirm the legitimacy of the call, such as by providing a reference number that customers can cross-check.
Collaboration with Authorities: Work with law enforcement and telecom providers to trace and block fraudulent numbers. Report any scam attempts to relevant authorities.
Data Protection Measures: Ensure that customer data is securely stored and protected from unauthorized access, reducing the risk of data breaches that could lead to scam calls.
How Can Elderly Individuals Be Better Protected from Scam Calls?
Elderly individuals are often targeted by scammers due to their perceived vulnerability. Here are some ways to enhance their protection:
Education and Awareness: Regularly inform elderly individuals about common scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Use simple, clear language to explain how to identify and handle scam calls.
Call Blocking Devices: Install call-blocking devices or apps that automatically filter out known scam numbers. These can significantly reduce the number of scam calls received.
Trusted Contacts: Encourage elderly individuals to set up a list of trusted contacts who can help verify any suspicious calls. They should be advised not to take action on any requests until they’ve spoken to a trusted contact.
Regular Check-Ins: Family members or carers should regularly check in with elderly individuals to discuss any unusual or suspicious phone calls they’ve received.
Community Programs: Participate in community programs that offer support and education to elderly people about scam prevention. These programs can also provide a platform for sharing experiences and advice.
Simplified Reporting: Make it easy for elderly individuals to report scam calls, perhaps by setting up a simple, direct way to reach a family member or community service for help.
These additional questions and answers cover various aspects of scam call awareness, prevention, and response, offering a comprehensive guide to staying safe from phone scams.
🛡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Contact IT-UK Tech Team in Amersham today for reliable tech support and expert guidance in keeping your data safe.
📞 Call Us: 01494240083
📧 Email Us: info@itukdirect.com
💻 Visit Us: https://itukdirect.com
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