Do you often receive cold calls?
First of all, what is a cold call? Cold calls are phone calls from companies or individuals trying to sell you something even though you have no business with them previously.
Although cold calls aren’t usually illegal and don't count as a scam, they can be frustrating, annoying, and most of all, frightening.
The best way to get rid of cold calls is to get a call blocker!
Get one here: www.cprcallblocker.com
Common types of phone scams in the UK
Sometimes it can be challenging to tell the difference between a scam call and a cold call. This is why it’s good to know some of the typical modus operandi scammers use so you can be prepared.
Bank scams
Someone will call you claiming to be from your bank telling you there’s a problem with your account. The caller will often sound professional and will try to convince you that your card has been compromised or that your money is at risk.
They will phish for your account and card details including your PIN and even offer to send a courier to collect your card for convenience. Some may also advise that you transfer your money to a ‘safe account’ to protect it.
Keep in mind that a legitimate bank will never ask you to do this.
Computer repair scams
Someone will call you claiming to be from the helpdesk of a well-known IT firm such as Microsoft. They will tell you that your computer has a virus and will ask you to download anti-virus software at a cost.
Most of this turns out to be spyware used to get your personal details. Legitimate IT companies will never contact their customers this way.
Compensation calls
Someone will call you from a company asking about a car accident you had claiming that you may be entitled to compensation. Though some of these could be legitimate companies looking for business, some could be scammers.
If you’ve had an accident, it’s best to call your own insurance company on the phone number provided on your policy.
HMRC scams
Someone will call you claiming to be from HMRC saying that there is an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill. They may leave a message and ask you to call back. Don’t be fooled by this! HMRC would never contact you this way and ask you to provide personal financial information such as your bank account.
For more information on the latest scams, visit www.ageuk.org.uk
To protect yourself from the scam, get a call blocker today!
Get one here: www.cprcallblocker.com