Scam phone calls are sadly becoming a common way for criminals to trick people into handing over money or revealing confidential information. Here is what you can do if you suspect you are receiving a scam phone call.
Do not give out any personal information if you suspect it’s a scam phone call
Scam callers have one aim (apart from being annoying). They want to try to steal your personal information or money. Whether it be your bank details, passwords, credit card number or Facebook log in they are trying to access personal details that they can use themselves or sell.
If you are suspicious do not disclose any information over the phone. Remember, your bank will never ask you for your PIN number.
Block the number
It goes without saying that you should immediately block phone numbers used by scammers. Whilst they may have several numbers they can use to contact people if you keep blocking them they will eventually get the message.
Report the number if they are impersonating a company or government organisation
Some scammers will pretend to be calling from organisations such as banks, governments, mobile phone providers or even the police. They will likely tell you something ridiculous such as you need to make a payment, confirm personal information such as usernames or passwords or that you are under arrest (yes some scammers will try to tell you that you are under arrest).
I once had a phone call from someone pretending to be from HMRC telling me that I had committed fraud and that unless I gave them my bank details a warrant would be issued for my arrest.
Most organisations and government agencies have processes in place for dealing with impersonators. They will likely investigate any scam phone calls or emails.
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