Phone scams on landlines remain a growing concern across the UK. Fraudsters use clever tricks to steal money, gather personal details, or convince people to hand over access to their accounts. The elderly are particularly at risk, as they are often at home during the day and may be more trusting of official-sounding calls.
According to UK Finance, victims lost over £1.2 billion to scams in 2024, with phone calls and text scams among the most reported. Knowing the types of scams and how to avoid them is the first step to staying safe.
What Are the Most Common Types of Phone Scams on Landlines in the UK?
Landline phone scams in the UK often fall into these categories:
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Banking scams: A caller claims to be from your bank’s fraud team, warning of suspicious activity. They may ask you to “confirm” your PIN or transfer money into a “safe account.”
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HMRC scams: Fraudsters pretend to be tax officials, threatening you with arrest unless you pay overdue tax immediately. Many calls use automated messages to sound official.
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Lottery and prize scams: You’re told you’ve won a big prize—but to claim it, you must first pay “processing fees” or provide your bank details.
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Tech support scams: Scammers pose as technicians from Microsoft or BT, warning of viruses on your computer. They may request remote access or demand payment for bogus “repairs.”
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Charity scams: Criminals impersonate well-known charities, especially during disasters, and pressure you into donating over the phone.
Summary: The most common UK landline scams include banking fraud, HMRC impersonations, fake lottery wins, bogus tech support, and charity donation scams.
How Do UK Scammers Make Their Calls Seem Genuine?
Fraudsters succeed because they appear credible. Here’s how they do it:
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Caller ID spoofing: The phone displays a trusted number, such as your bank or HMRC.
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Professional tone: Callers use formal language, making them sound like real officials.
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Urgency: They threaten fines, arrests, or account closures if you don’t act quickly.
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Official references: Case numbers or “security codes” give the illusion of legitimacy.
Summary: UK scammers use caller ID spoofing, urgency, professional scripts, and fake references to trick victims into believing them.
What Can You Do to Avoid Phone Scams on Landlines in the UK?
Protecting yourself requires a proactive approach:
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Never share sensitive details – Banks and HMRC will never ask for passwords, PINs, or card details over the phone.
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Hang up and verify – If in doubt, hang up and call back using an official number from your bank’s website or correspondence.
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Register with the TPS – This reduces legitimate telemarketing calls, though it doesn’t stop scams.
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Use a call blocker device – Devices like CPR Call Blocker screen calls, block repeat offenders, and can prevent unknown overseas calls.
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Educate family members – Talk to elderly relatives about scam tactics so they recognise red flags.
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Report scams – Share details with Action Fraud or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Summary: To avoid UK phone scams, hang up on suspicious calls, use call blockers, register with TPS, educate family, and report incidents to Action Fraud or the ICO.
Conclusion
Phone scams on UK landlines are on the rise, but awareness is your best defence. By learning how scammers operate, staying cautious, and using call-blocking devices, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Explore our range of call blockers to protect your home.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I already gave my details to a scammer?
A: Contact your bank immediately, report the scam to Action Fraud, and change any compromised details.
Q: Do call blockers really work in the UK?
A: Yes, they block known scam numbers and filter out nuisance calls.
Q: Can scammers fake UK phone numbers?
A: Yes, through caller ID spoofing. Always verify directly with your bank or HMRC.
Q: Why are older adults more at risk of scams?
A: They may be more trusting and less familiar with digital fraud tactics.
