Most Common Phone Scams & How to Spot Them
Phone scams continue to target thousands of UK residents every year. Fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations, create urgency, and pressure victims into sharing personal or financial information. Knowing the most common scam types can help you avoid becoming a victim.
1. HMRC Tax Scam
Scammers pretend to be from the tax office claiming unpaid taxes or legal action.
- Pre-recorded robocall message.
- Threats of arrest or court action.
- Requests for immediate payment.
How to spot it: HMRC does not demand payment via phone threats.
2. Bank Fraud Call
Fraudsters impersonate your bank and claim suspicious activity on your account.
- Asks for OTP codes.
- Requests to "secure" your funds.
- Caller ID may appear legitimate (spoofed).
How to spot it: Hang up and call your bank using the official number on your card.
3. Delivery & Parcel Scam
- Claims you missed a parcel delivery.
- Requests small payment for redelivery.
- Often linked with SMS phishing (smishing).
How to spot it: Check tracking directly through the courier’s official website.
4. Technical Support Scam
- Claims your computer has a virus.
- Offers to fix the issue remotely.
- Requests card payment for fake services.
How to spot it: Reputable tech companies do not make unsolicited calls.
5. Wangiri (One-Ring) Scam
- Very short missed call from international number.
- Encourages you to call back.
- Often premium-rate charges apply.
How to spot it: Avoid calling back unfamiliar international numbers.
6. Pension & Investment Scams
- Promises high returns or pension review.
- Pressures immediate decisions.
- Requests personal finance details.
How to spot it: Be cautious of unsolicited financial advice.
What To Do If You Receive a Scam Call
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not press any numbers.
- Block the number.
- Report the scam to official UK authorities.
- Contact your bank if financial details were shared.