When we talk about nuisance calls in the UK, most people think of PPI cold calls, spam, or relentless telemarketers. But a far more serious—and increasingly common—type of call has emerged: fake emergency calls.
These calls are designed to frighten, manipulate, or scam individuals by pretending to be a relative in distress, the police, or another official body. Whether it’s someone claiming your grandson’s been arrested or a fake hospital staff member reporting an accident, the aim is always the same: trigger panic and override rational thinking.
For elderly people, vulnerable adults, and even busy families, these calls can cause real distress. But call-blocking technology is proving to be a key defence against this manipulative form of fraud.
What Are Fake Emergency Calls?
Fake emergency calls—often part of “imposter scams”—rely on urgency and fear to trick the person on the other end of the line. The tactics may vary, but the goal is always the same: get the victim to act quickly, usually involving money or sensitive information.
Common examples include:
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Someone claiming to be from the local police is saying a loved one has been taken into custody.
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A fake hospital staff member reporting a medical emergency and requesting payment or consent.
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A panicked voice claiming to be a family member in trouble abroad.
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Spoofed calls appearing to come from NHS services, the police, or local councils.
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Scammers pretending to be from energy companies, threatening immediate disconnection unless a bill is paid.
These scams often succeed because they catch people off guard, triggering emotional reactions that short-circuit critical thinking.
According to Action Fraud, Britons lost over £177 million to imposter scams in 2023 alone—many of which started with a phone call designed to cause panic or impersonate a trusted authority.
Why Are These Calls So Difficult to Detect?
Fake emergency calls exploit several weaknesses in the telephone system and human psychology:
Caller ID Spoofing
Fraudsters can make it appear as though they’re calling from a local number—or even from trusted organisations like the NHS, HMRC, or the police.
Emotional Manipulation
By creating a sense of panic or urgency, scammers get people to act before they think.
Landline Dependence
Many victims—especially older adults—still rely on traditional landlines, which offer little in-built protection against scam or spoofed calls.
Lack of Automated Call Filtering
Unlike email, standard phone systems don’t automatically filter out suspicious content. That means fake calls can come through unchallenged.
Limited Regulation
Despite regulatory efforts from Ofcom, many scammers operate from overseas or via VoIP (internet-based) systems that are difficult to track or block.
Can Call Blocking Technology Help?
Yes—and it’s already making a difference across the UK.
Modern call blockers, especially devices like the CPR Call Blocker, are effective at filtering out scam calls, including those that mimic emergencies. These devices are particularly useful for people who rely on landlines and may be more susceptible to manipulation.
Here’s how they help:
1. Block Known Scam Numbers
Call blockers are often pre-programmed with databases of known scam numbers, regularly updated to reflect the latest tactics. This stops many fake emergency calls automatically.
2. Block International and Withheld Numbers
A large proportion of fake emergency calls come from abroad or from withheld numbers. CPR Call Blockers allow users to reject these by default.
3. Create a Personal Blocklist
If a scammer gets through once, users can instantly block that number from calling again—no hassle, no repeat scare.
4. Use Safe List Mode
Some devices offer a ‘whitelist’ or ‘trusted callers only’ function, allowing only pre-approved numbers to get through. This is ideal for elderly individuals living alone or those who’ve been targeted before.
5. Empower Users
These devices offer more than just protection—they help people feel in control of their phone again. That alone can dramatically reduce the impact of scam attempts.
CPR Call Blocker: A Trusted Solution
One of the most trusted solutions in the UK is the CPR Call Blocker. Designed and manufactured in the UK, this landline device helps users protect themselves from scam, nuisance, and unwanted calls—ideal for both households and campaign teams.
Why choose CPR Call Blocker?
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Pre-Loaded with Known Nuisance Numbers: Comes with a large database of known scam and nuisance numbers already blocked.
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One-Touch Call Blocking: Instantly block unwanted numbers with a single press.
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Compatible with UK Landlines: It eliminates the need for apps or smartphones, making it ideal for older demographics and traditional call setups.
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Easy Setup: Simple plug-and-play design makes it user-friendly, especially for seniors and less tech-savvy users.
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Trusted by Over 1 Million Users: CPR Call Blocker is one of the UK's top-rated solutions for call protection.
Whether you're a political organiser or a concerned voter, CPR Call Blocker is a practical tool to reduce distractions and promote respectful communication.
Final Thoughts
Fake emergency calls are more than a nuisance—they’re a threat. But tools like CPR Call Blocker provide a practical and powerful line of defence, particularly for vulnerable people.
While no technology can replace education and vigilance, call blockers offer a crucial head start—often preventing the scam before it ever reaches the recipient.
Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you.