Millions of phone users are being encouraged to promptly “hang up” amid a surge of scam calls reported throughout the UK. Scammers are ramping up their efforts, impersonating bank representatives or claiming to be from official bodies, forcing people into making hasty purchases or investments.
Age UK is now warning: “Be aware that scammers can keep your phone line open even after you’ve hung up. Use a different phone, call someone you know first to check the line is free, or wait at least 10 to 15 minutes between calls to make sure any scammers have hung up.”
This warning comes hot on the heels of Ofcom’s latest requirement for telephone companies, directing them to intercept all international calls that misleadingly present themselves with a UK landline number. As scams continue to evolve, households are advised to end calls immediately if anything seems off.
The message from UK Finance, which leads the Take Five anti-fraud campaign, is clear: take a moment and think before releasing any money or personal details. In a stark reminder, they emphasise that “only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Ask yourself – could it be fake? Ask someone you trust for a second opinion.”
Lloyds Bank has also voiced its concerns about online scams, particularly those associated with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The bank stated: “Most online shopping scam reports we receive relate to things bought through Facebook or Instagram.
“If the seller is offering expensive goods at cut-down prices or has items that are otherwise unavailable, it’s a major red flag.”, reports Yorkshire Live.
For households seeking to reduce unwanted calls, they can register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which is touted as “the UK’s only official ‘do not call’ register for landlines and mobile numbers”. The TPS provides a simple and free solution for individuals and businesses looking to avoid unsolicited live sales and marketing calls.
There’s a specific register available for companies too, known as the Corporate Telephone Preference Service. Once a phone number is registered, the volume of unnecessary sales and marketing calls should noticeably decrease.
The Telephone Preference Service is free and you can register here. You can also register your mobile number by simply texting “TPS” and your email address to 85095 from your mobile phone.
They say: “There is no charge to send a message or to receive confirmation from this number. You will receive a text message confirming your number has been successfully added to the TPS database.”