Criminals continue to make convincing phone calls pretending to be from banks, delivery companies, government departments, or even the police. Their aim is to pressure you into handing over personal information or money.

These calls can sound genuine, but there are key warning signs to look out for.

Common Tactics Used by Fraudsters

Fraudulent callers may:

• Claim there’s an urgent problem with your bank account
• Ask you to confirm PINs, passwords, or personal details
• Request that you transfer money to a “safe account”
• Tell you not to speak to anyone else about the call
• Use technology to make the number appear legitimate (caller ID can be faked)

How to Protect Yourself

• Hang up immediately if something doesn’t feel right
• Do not share personal or financial details over the phone
• Use a trusted number from an official website or document — not the number the caller gives you
• Wait a few minutes or use another phone before calling the company back
• Consider registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unwanted calls

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

• Contact your bank using their official phone number
• Report suspicious calls to Action Fraud (via 101 or online)
• If you feel threatened or believe a crime is in progress, call 999

Remember:

Genuine organisations will never pressure you to act immediately. If in doubt — hang up, pause, and check.