Hello there! At Apex Healthcare Services Limited, we care about safeguarding our clients from the growing threat of phone scams. These scams have become an increasingly common way for criminals to deceive people and steal their money. With the rise of technology, they’ve also become more sophisticated, making it essential to know how to protect yourself. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common types of phone scams and share practical tips to help you stay safe.

Common Types of Phone Scams

Recognising common phone scams can help you avoid falling victim to them. Here are some of the most prevalent ones:

1. Bank Scams

Scammers may pose as your bank, claiming there’s been fraudulent activity on your account. They might ask for your PIN or instruct you to hand over your bank card to a courier. Remember, your bank would never ask you to share personal information or give your card to anyone.

2. Undercover Police Scams

In this scam, the caller claims to be from the police, investigating fraud at your bank. They might request your card details or ask you to assist in their investigation. The police will never ask you to participate in this way, so hang up immediately.

3. Computer or Mobile Phone Repair Scams

You might receive a call warning you that your device has a virus and that you need to download software to fix it. This is actually spyware designed to give scammers access to your personal information.

4. HMRC Scams

These calls claim to be from HMRC, stating there’s an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill. They may ask you to call back and provide personal financial information. HMRC will never contact you in this way.

5. Council Tax Scams

Scammers may call pretending to be from your local council, offering to correct your Council Tax band or provide a rebate. Your council will never make such calls out of the blue.

6. Compensation Calls

If you receive a call about a car accident you’ve supposedly had, with promises of compensation, it’s likely a scam. Contact your insurance company directly if you’ve had an accident.

7. Texts with Fake Links

Scammers may send texts with links, asking you to fix an issue with your account or track a parcel. These links lead to fake websites designed to steal your login information.

8. Telephone Preference Service (TPS) Scams

If you’re asked to pay to renew your membership of the TPS, it’s a scam. TPS is a free service, and any calls asking for payment are fraudulent.

9. Pension or Debt Management Offers

Be cautious of cold calls or texts offering products or services related to pensions or debt management. Legitimate companies will not contact you out of the blue.

10. Sales and Investment Calls

Beware of unsolicited sales calls or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. These are often high-pressure tactics used by scammers.

11. Fake Caller ID

Scammers can manipulate caller IDs to appear as though they are calling from a legitimate organization, such as your bank or a utility company. Just because the number looks familiar doesn’t mean the call is genuine.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Say No: Never give out personal information, such as your PIN or card details, over the phone. Legitimate organisations will never ask for these details this way.
• Report Scams: Forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free so your mobile provider can investigate.
• Check the Line: Scammers can keep your phone line open even after you hang up. Use a different phone, call someone you know first to ensure the line is clear, or wait 10 to 15 minutes before making another call.
• Use an Answerphone: Screening your calls with an answerphone or voicemail can help you avoid unwanted conversations.
• Caller ID: Consider using a caller ID device, but be aware that some scammers can spoof numbers to appear legitimate.
• Call Blocking: Use call-blocking features on your phone or invest in a separate call blocker to reduce unwanted calls.
• Cut the Cold Calls: Register with the free Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce cold calls, but remember it won’t block all scammers.
• Call the Company: If you receive a suspicious call, contact the company directly using a known phone number to verify the call’s legitimacy.
• Avoid Links: Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts. Verify their authenticity by contacting the company directly.

What to Do if You Receive a Scam Call or Text

If you’ve been targeted by a scam call, there are several resources available to help:

• Action Fraud: Report the scam to Action Fraud, which offers advice and support for dealing with scams and fraud https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
• Your Bank: If the scam involves your bank account, contact your bank immediately using the central number 159 or the number on the back of your bank card.
• Telephone Preference Service (TPS): Register with TPS to help prevent scam and nuisance calls.

For unwanted texts or suspicious WhatsApp messages, you can:

• Texts: Forward any unwanted texts to 7726 for your mobile provider to investigate.
• WhatsApp: Report a scam WhatsApp user by opening the chat, tapping on their name, and selecting ‘report contact.’

Where to Get More Information and Help

For further details on how to protect yourself from phone scams or to get help if you’ve been targeted, visit the following websites:

• Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
• Citizens Advice: Offers advice on what to do if you’ve been scammed and how to protect yourself.
• Telephone Preference Service (TPS): A free service to reduce unwanted sales and marketing calls.
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): Provides information on how to protect yourself from cyber threats, including phone scams.