Scam calls going around the UK
Recognise the script and the call loses its power.
Same tricks, different numbers
Phone scammers change numbers constantly but rarely change their scripts. Almost every scam call is a variation on a handful of stories: your bank has spotted fraud, HMRC is taking action, a parcel can't be delivered, your computer is infected. Each story builds pressure and ends with a request for money, a code or remote access.
Pick a scam below to see how the call usually goes, what the caller is really after, how to respond, and which numbers Who Called Me Check visitors have connected to it.
Fake Parcel & Delivery Calls You are told a parcel could not be delivered, is being held at a depot or has customs charges to pay. The message borrows the name... Fake HMRC, Police & Government Calls Often a recorded voice, this caller says they are from HMRC, the DWP, the Home Office or the police. You owe tax, your National In... Fake Bank Fraud Team Calls The caller says they work in your bank's fraud team and have spotted suspicious payments. To protect your money, they say, you nee... Fake Tech Support & Broadband Calls Someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, BT or your broadband provider says your computer is infected, your router ha... Fake Job & Easy Money Offers A recruiter you never contacted offers flexible, well-paid work from home: rating products, liking posts or completing simple task... One-Ring (Wangiri) Missed Calls A number, often overseas or premium rate, rings once and cuts off before you can answer. Wangiri is Japanese for one ring and drop... Fake Refunds, Rebates & Grants Good news, says the caller: you are owed an energy rebate, a council tax refund, a cost-of-living payment or a free government gra... Romance, Crypto & Investment Cons It can start with a wrong-number text, a dating match or a friendly message on social media. Over days or weeks the person becomes...
Three habits that stop nearly every scam
- Codes stay with you. No genuine caller needs your one-time passcode, PIN or password.
- A phone call is never a reason to move money. Banks, the police and HMRC don't ask you to.
- Hang up and ring back yourself on the number from your card, a bill or the official website.