Common UK phone scams and how to spot them
Updated
Phone scams change all the time, but the tricks behind them stay the same: pressure, a story about a problem and a request for money or personal details.
Bank impersonation
A caller says your account has been compromised and asks you to move money to a safe account, or to read out a one-time passcode. Your bank will never ask you to do either. Hang up, wait a minute, and call the number on the back of your card.
Government and tax scams
Callers claim to be from a government department, say you owe money and threaten arrest or legal action. Genuine government bodies do not threaten arrest or demand payment by gift card or bank transfer over the phone.
Delivery and parcel texts
A text says a parcel could not be delivered and asks you to pay a small fee through a link. Do not tap the link. Forward the text to 7726 and delete it.
Fake tech support
Someone claims to be from a technology company and says your computer has a virus, then asks to connect remotely or buy software. Genuine companies do not ring people out of the blue about this.
Number spoofing
Scammers can make any UK number appear on your screen, including numbers that look like local codes or official bodies. A familiar-looking number is not proof that a call is genuine.
Warning signs
- You are asked to act immediately.
- You are told to keep the call secret.
- You are asked to move money, buy vouchers or share a passcode.
If you have been caught out
Contact your bank straight away using a number you trust, then report the scam to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (or Police Scotland on 101). You can also report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.