Scam calls have become a widespread issue in the UK, with an increasing number of individuals falling victim to fraudsters who use manipulation, fear tactics, and deceit to steal money and personal information. These scams range from fake Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) tax demands to fraudulent bank account updates, all designed to exploit the trust and vulnerability of victims.
In this blog, we will share real-life stories of scam call victims and discuss the lessons they learnt from their experiences. We'll also highlight the steps that consumers can take to protect themselves from these types of fraud.
The Rise of Scam Calls in the UK
Scam calls continue to be a significant problem in the UK, with millions of pounds being stolen by criminals each year. According to UK Finance's 2024 Annual Fraud Report, fraudsters stole £1.17 billion through both unauthorised and authorised fraud in 2023, highlighting the scope of this issue. Of particular concern is that a large portion of these scams, 76%, were initiated online, with a further 16% originating through telecommunications networks, including scam calls.
Despite the increasing efforts by the financial sector and regulatory bodies to combat these crimes, such as implementing stronger security systems and working with law enforcement to disrupt fraudulent activities, scam calls remain a major challenge.
These frauds often involve impersonators posing as trusted organisations like banks, government agencies, or utility companies, tricking victims into handing over personal information or making payments. Even with advancements in fraud prevention, the emotional and financial toll on victims is still devastating.
Personal Story 1: The Fake HMRC Tax Scam
One common type of scam that has affected UK residents is the "HMRC tax scam." In this scam, victims are called by someone claiming to be from HMRC, informing them of an outstanding tax bill. The caller typically threatens legal action, court appearances, or arrest if the victim does not immediately pay a large sum of money, usually via gift cards or a money transfer service.
Jane’s Story: Jane, a 56-year-old schoolteacher from Manchester, was one of the unfortunate victims of this scam. The caller knew her name and provided a detailed explanation of why she allegedly owed taxes. “It felt so legitimate. They used formal language and even referenced some numbers that I thought were my tax ID,” Jane recalls. “They told me I had to pay immediately to avoid arrest.”
Feeling pressured, Jane went to the nearest high street store, bought £200 in gift cards, and provided the scammer with the card numbers. By the time she realised it was a scam, it was too late. Jane’s financial loss was only part of the problem; the emotional toll left her feeling violated and distrustful of any unsolicited calls she received in the future.
Lessons Learnt:
Always question unexpected calls. Even if the caller seems legitimate, it’s important to be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, especially those threatening urgent action.
Do not make payments over the phone. Reputable companies and government agencies will never ask for immediate payment via gift cards or money transfers.
Hang up and call back. If in doubt, always hang up and call the official contact number for the organisation. Don’t use the number the caller provides.
Personal Story 2: The Bank Fraud Scam
Another prevalent scam is one where fraudsters pose as representatives from major banks, claiming that fraudulent activity has occurred on the victim’s account. The scammers convince the victim that their bank account has been compromised and encourage them to "secure" their account by transferring money to a "safe account."
Tom’s Story: Tom, a 48-year-old engineer from Birmingham, received a call from someone claiming to be from his bank, telling him that suspicious activity had been detected on his account. “The caller knew all my bank details,” Tom says. “They even mentioned transactions that I had made earlier in the day.”
The scammer convinced Tom to transfer £1,500 to an account they claimed was “secure” and to avoid any future fraudulent transactions. Only after contacting his actual bank did Tom realise that he had fallen for the scam. His bank quickly refunded him, but it left Tom feeling deeply shaken and violated.
Lessons Learnt:
Verify the identity of the caller. Never trust a caller who claims to be from your bank, especially when they ask for personal details or payment. Instead, call your bank’s official number.
Do not transfer money based on a phone call. Your bank will never ask you to transfer funds for security purposes. Always make sure that any communication is legitimate.
Report suspicious activity immediately. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank or relevant authorities immediately to protect your account.
Personal Story 3: The Lottery Scam
Lottery and prize draw scams are another common type of fraud where victims are informed that they have won a large sum of money. The scammer then asks the victim to pay a “processing fee” before they can receive their prize.
Sarah’s Story: Sarah, a 63-year-old retiree from London, was contacted by a person claiming to be from a well-known lottery organisation. The caller informed her that she had won £10,000 and would only need to pay a £500 fee to claim her prize.
“I was excited at first, but then I thought, ‘Why would I have to pay to claim a prize?’” Sarah recalls. “But the caller was so convincing that I almost went ahead with the payment.”
Thankfully, Sarah decided to Google the lottery company and found multiple reports of similar scams. “I was so close to losing money. I’m just relieved I didn’t fall for it,” she adds.
Lessons Learnt:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is—no legitimate lottery or prize draw will ever ask for money upfront.
Check online for reports. Scammers often target people who are unfamiliar with common scams. A quick search can save you a lot of trouble.
Consult with others. If you're ever in doubt about a prize or a potential windfall, talk it over with a trusted friend or family member.
How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls
Scam calls are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and unfortunately, anyone can fall victim to them. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, there are effective ways to reduce your chances of being targeted. By taking a few proactive steps, you can protect yourself and minimise the impact of these intrusive calls.
Use Call Blocker Technology
Devices like the CPR Call Blocker can protect you from scam calls by blocking known scam numbers and allowing you to create your own blocklist. The installation is simple and effective, giving you control over your phone line’s security. This tool can be especially helpful for vulnerable individuals who want to reduce the number of unwanted calls they receive.
Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Signing up with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) allows you to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. It’s a free service that can reduce the number of nuisance calls you receive. While it doesn’t block all calls, it’s a useful first step in cutting down on unwanted phone contact.
Be Cautious with Personal Information
Never share personal or financial details, such as bank account or card numbers, over the phone unless you are sure of the caller’s identity. If a call feels suspicious, hang up and call the company back using an official contact number. Always be cautious when someone asks for payment or information in an unexpected phone call.
Educate Yourself and Others
Staying informed about common scams can help you spot red flags when they arise. Share what you’ve learnt with friends, family, and colleagues so they too can avoid becoming victims. Education is a key defence against fraud, as scammers often target individuals who aren’t aware of their tactics.
Conclusion
The stories of scam call victims, like Jane, Tom, and Sarah, serve as a stark reminder of how easily scammers can manipulate their targets. However, these lessons also show us the importance of being vigilant, asking questions, and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves from fraud.
Introducing CPR Call Blocker: A Practical Solution
If you’re sick of spam calls disrupting your day, the CPR Call Blocker provides an effective solution. The device is designed to block nuisance calls before they even reach you, allowing you to maintain focus and control over your phone. Here’s why it stands out:
Pre-installed spam numbers: The CPR Call Blocker comes with thousands of known spam numbers already blocked, so you won’t be bothered by common scam or telemarketing calls.
User-friendly features: You can manually add numbers to your personal blacklist, giving you complete control over who can and cannot reach you.
Immediate relief: With the push of a button, you can block numbers as they come in, ensuring that repeat offenders don’t disturb you again.
The CPR Call Blocker is particularly useful for individuals who work from home or run small businesses, where every interruption can have a lasting impact on productivity and mental well-being.
Choose CPR Call Blocker, the UK's ultimate call blocking solution. Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you.