How to avoid phone scams

Every year millions of people and businesses fall victim to phone scams. Often they combine new technology with different tricks to to get hold of sensitive information and money. Follow our tips to avoid succumbing to these scams!

Do not disclose any personal information

Never disclose your full four digit PIN to anyone including the bank or the police. In addition, never give out your full password. You should never give out any personal details over the phone unless you are absolutely certain of you who are talking to. If you are unsure it is a wise idea to hang up and call back the business the caller is claiming to be on an official number.

Don’t transfer any money

Do not transfer any money via card or bank transfer to someone who has called you. Your bank would never ask you to do as such. Be wary as fraudsters are known to encourage people to hang up and call their bank to verify the legitimacy of the call. However, a phone line can stay open for up to two minutes so the fraudsters remain on the line and play a dialling tone to trick the individual into thinking they’re calling the bank.

Read the news

Stay updated with the latest common scams so you’ll be able to spot if you’re being tricked straight away! Online searches are also a great way to stay on top of new scams. If you are unsure of a phone call you have received from your bank, insurance, utility provider or another seemingly trustworthy company, search their name with the word ‘complaint’ or ‘scam.’

Use a telephone answering service

Using a telephone answering and message taking service such as ours is a fantastic way to avoid phone scams. As we don’t have any of your personal, sensitive or financial information we are unable to pass it along to potential scammers. By answering your phone calls and taking your messages we give you the opportunity to listen back, review your messages and decide for yourself whether they are safe. Find out more about our call handling services at message-direct.co.uk.