Beware of Government Grant Scam Calls: Protect Yourself in the UK

Government grant scam calls are a common fraud tactic in the UK, where scammers impersonate official government agencies offering grants or financial assistance. These calls are designed to pressure individuals into providing personal or financial information, often claiming urgent action is required.

Common Signs of Government Grant Scam Calls

• The caller claims you are eligible for a government grant that you did not apply for.
• Requests for payment, bank details, or card information.
• Pressure to act immediately, with threats of losing the grant if you delay.
• Calls from numbers that are blocked or not recognised.
• Refusal to provide official contact information or proof of legitimacy.

How to Respond to Suspected Scam Calls

If you receive a government grant call that seems suspicious, follow these precautions:

• Do not provide personal or financial information over the phone.
• Hang up immediately if the caller pressures you or seems aggressive.
• Verify any grant claims directly through official government websites.
• Report suspicious calls to Action Fraud or other relevant authorities.
• Warn friends and family to be cautious of similar calls.

Blocking and Preventing Scam Calls

• Use your phone’s call blocking or spam detection features.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unsolicited calls.
• Consider trusted call-blocking apps to filter suspicious numbers.
• Report repeated scam calls to your mobile provider or relevant authorities.

Why Reporting Scam Calls Helps

Reporting government grant scam calls protects both yourself and the wider community. Sharing information about suspicious numbers helps authorities track scammers and prevent further fraud.