Every day in the UK, thousands of people receive phone calls from scammers pretending to be banks, HMRC officials, or service providers. While many of these calls sound convincing, there are always telltale signs that can help you spot a scam before it’s too late.
This blog explains how to recognise fraudulent landline calls, why scammers use such tactics, and how tools like CPR Call Blocker can help keep your home safe.
Why Do Scammers Target Landlines in the UK?
Despite the rise of mobile phones, landlines remain a favourite tool for scammers—especially when targeting older adults. Reasons include:
-
Easier access to numbers: Many landline numbers are publicly listed.
-
Trust factor: Seniors often trust landline communication more than unknown mobiles.
-
Higher availability: Fraudsters know older people are more likely to be home during the day.
-
Less advanced filtering: Not all landline services have built-in spam filters.
In 2024, Action Fraud received more than 200,000 reports of scam calls, most of them made through landlines.
Summary: Landlines are targeted because they’re widely used, publicly listed, and associated with trust, particularly among older adults.
What Are the Top Signs That a Call Might Be a Scam?
Here are the clearest red flags that you’re dealing with a fraudster:
-
Unfamiliar caller or withheld number – If the caller ID says “Private,” “International,” or a random local number, proceed with caution.
-
Pressure to act quickly – Genuine banks or government bodies never rush you to make payments or decisions.
-
Requests for personal details – No legitimate organisation will ask for PINs, passwords, or banking information.
-
Threats or fear tactics – Scammers often claim you’ll face fines, arrest, or disconnection if you don’t comply.
-
Offers that seem too good to be true – “Free prizes” or investment deals rarely are.
-
Background noise or robotic voices – Many scams originate from noisy call centres or automated systems.
-
Suspicious payment requests – Demands for gift cards, vouchers, or cryptocurrency are immediate red flags.
Summary: Common scam indicators include urgency, personal data requests, threats, fake offers, and suspicious payment methods.
Why Do People Fall for These Scams?
Scammers are skilled manipulators who exploit human emotions:
-
Fear: Claiming your bank account is at risk.
-
Trust: Impersonating known brands or government agencies.
-
Confusion: Using official-sounding jargon or technical language.
-
Empathy: Pretending to raise money for charity or medical needs.
Example: In 2025, a pensioner from Nottingham lost £8,500 to a caller pretending to be from her bank’s fraud department, using the bank’s real number through caller ID spoofing.
Summary: Scammers exploit fear, trust, and confusion to manipulate victims into making hasty decisions.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Scam Calls?
-
Never share personal details – Banks, HMRC, and utility companies will never ask for sensitive data by phone.
-
Hang up and verify – Call back using the official number from the organisation’s website.
-
Register with TPS – Stops legitimate marketing calls, helping you spot scams more easily.
-
Install a call blocker – Devices like CPR Call Blocker can automatically block known scam numbers.
-
Report suspicious calls – Use Action Fraud or contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Summary: Protect yourself by refusing to share information, verifying calls independently, using call blockers, and reporting fraud.
How Do Call Blockers Help Detect Scam Calls?
Modern call blockers offer smart protection by:
-
Pre-blocking known scam numbers – Thousands of fraudulent numbers are already listed.
-
Filtering international and withheld calls – Reducing exposure to high-risk numbers.
-
Allowing one-touch blocking – Instantly stop repeat offenders.
-
Whitelisting trusted contacts – Ensures friends and family always get through.
Summary: Call blockers like CPR Call Blocker automatically block known scams, filter suspicious calls, and give you full control over your landline security.
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of scam calls can protect you and your loved ones from emotional and financial harm. Combined with a landline call blocker, awareness is your best defence.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: How can I tell if a call from HMRC is real?
A: HMRC rarely calls without prior notice and never demands immediate payment.
Q: Are all unknown calls scams?
A: Not necessarily, but you should verify the caller before sharing any information.
Q: Can scammers fake local numbers?
A: Yes, through caller ID spoofing. Use a call blocker to screen these calls.
Q: Who should I report scam calls to?
A: Action Fraud or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
