Millions of mobile phone users across the UK are being warned to “hang up” amid a surge of scam calls. Experts warn that scammers are increasingly targeting mobile users, posing as bank staff or official agencies.
They are also pressuring people into making purchases or investments. Age UK has already sounded the alarm, urging the public to “be aware that scammers can keep your phone line open even after you’ve hung up”.
A spokesperson insisted: “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 cautionary advice follows Ofcom’s recent mandate for phone providers to block all international calls that falsely display a UK landline number. UK households are being advised to “hang up” immediately if they suspect a scam to safeguard themselves, reports Yorkshire Live.
UK Finance, leading the Take Five anti-fraud campaign, urges everyone to stop and think before giving away money or personal details, reminding them that “only criminals will try to rush or panic you”.
“Ask yourself – could it be fake?” campaigners say, adding: Ask someone you trust for a second opinion.”
Lloyds Bank has joined the conversation on online scams, with a particular focus on the dangers lurking on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
The bank cautioned: “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.”
Households aiming to reduce pesky calls have an ally in the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which is touted as “the UK’s only official ‘do not call’ register for landlines and mobile numbers”.
Joining the TPS is a simple and free way for individuals and companies to escape unwelcome live sales and marketing calls. After registering a number with the service, unsolicited sales and marketing calls should notably diminish. There’s also a bespoke provision for businesses named the Corporate Telephone Preference Service.