Have you ever wondered how to avoid getting scammed by phone scams in the UK? Are you afraid that it's too late and that these scams have already hit you?
In this article, we're going to be listing some of the common phone scams and give you tips on how to stay safe from them.
Scams can be a real nuisance and even a scary prospect. Many people try to avoid scams by taking many preventive measures, such as only picking up the telephone when it is registered, and the caller has identified themselves with the phone number they are calling from.
However, according to some studies, this can sometimes backfire as scammers will often use different variations of your name to get you to pick up. There is a report that three out of every four people who receive an automated voicemail message will ignore it, thinking it's a scam phone call.
1. Know the Warning Signs of Phone Scams
It's easy to be taken in by a scammer's false promises. Knowing the warning signs is the best way to avoid becoming a victim.
When someone calls you out of the blue, it can be hard to tell if it's a legitimate business opportunity or a scammer. But some telltale signs will help you spot them.
Look out for these red flags:
They're always asking for your credit card number or bank account details. Scammers often use these details to make fraudulent purchases online or transfer money onto prepaid cards, which they then sell on eBay or other sites.
If they ask you for these details, hang up the phone and call your bank immediately to check whether the company is legitimate and what sort of transaction is being made.
They promise huge returns on small investments. A shadily-worded website ad or the email may say something like, "you can earn 10% daily," but this isn't possible unless you have access to a very high-yield investment vehicle (such as GICs).
If someone claims otherwise, it's probably too good to be true — and that's why it could end up being a scammer trying to get your information so he can take advantage of your good
2. Always Ask for the Name
If you receive a phone call from someone you don't know, always ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they work for.
If the caller says they are from your bank, ask them to report you to their supervisor or manager. If this is a scam, they will refuse to do so – but if it's genuine, you should be able to get through straight away.
Ask them how long they have been doing this job and their qualifications. If they sound lying or being evasive, hang up and report them as soon as possible via call recording services such as Call Tracker (which can record incoming calls) or Spokeo (which allows users to search by name).
3. Protect Your Personal Information
Phone scams are a common problem in the UK, but you can avoid them. If you get a call from someone claiming to be from your bank or a credit card company, there are several things you can do to confirm that the number is legitimate.
Never give out your personal, credit card or online account details unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
If you receive a call from someone who claims to be your bank, credit card company or other financial institution and they ask for your personal information by giving out their name, ask them to verify their identity. If they cannot provide any ID or show some form of identification that shows their name and address, do not give out any of your personal information over the phone.
4. Register Your Number
The UK has strict laws regulating the use of cold calling. The Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which the Communication Regulator runs, allows people to register their numbers so that telemarketers do not call them.
If you get a phone call from someone asking for money or personal information, hang up immediately and report it to the police. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) website has been set up to help detect, investigate and prosecute fraudsters who target vulnerable people over the phone.
5. Get a Call Blocker
This is a straightforward tip, but it will make your life much easier. Most scammers use the same phone number and voicemail box to prevent them from being identified by the authorities.
If you receive a call from someone using this number, get a call blocker device for your landline, just like the CPR Call Blocker. This will stop them from ringing your landline and recording an automated message telling you they have reached voicemail (even though they haven't). The call blocker will record any number that rings up on your landline and redirects it back to their voicemail system.
Conclusion
Avoiding phone scams is vital to keeping your money and identity safe. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself against fraudsters and even get some of your money back if you fall victim to their schemes. If you're looking to avoid phone call scams in the UK, the above options should serve you well.
One of the essential landline accessories you can get is a call blocker. Our call blockers protect you and your family from unsolicited phone calls and provide you with peace of mind at home. Browse our products, or get in touch with us so we can help you.