1. HMRC Tax Scam
Scammers pose as HMRC claiming you owe unpaid taxes or are entitled to a refund. They threaten arrest, legal action, or deportation if you don't pay immediately.
Warning Signs
- • Automated voice message about tax debt
- • Threats of arrest or legal action
- • Demands for immediate payment
- • Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency
- • Caller ID showing "HMRC" (spoofed)
What HMRC Actually Does
- ✓ Sends letters first, never just calls
- ✓ Never demands immediate payment
- ✓ Never asks for gift cards
- ✓ Never threatens arrest on first contact
- ✓ Has your details already
Example Script
"This is an urgent call from HMRC. There is a lawsuit filed against you for tax evasion. If you do not call back immediately, a warrant will be issued for your arrest..."
2. Bank Impersonation
Fraudsters claim to be from your bank's fraud team, saying suspicious activity has been detected on your account. They ask you to "verify" details or move money to a "safe account".
Warning Signs
- • Urgent call about "fraud" on your account
- • Asked to move money to a safe account
- • Requests for PIN, password, or card details
- • Told not to tell branch staff
- • Caller ID shows your bank's number
What Banks Actually Do
- ✓ Never ask for your full PIN
- ✓ Never ask you to move money
- ✓ Never send couriers for your card
- ✓ Happy for you to hang up and call back
- ✓ Never tell you to lie to staff
Important: If in doubt, hang up and call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Use a different phone if possible, as scammers can keep the line open.
3. Tech Support Scam
Callers claim to be from Microsoft, BT, or your internet provider. They say your computer has a virus or has been hacked, and ask for remote access to "fix" it.
Warning Signs
- • Unsolicited call about computer problems
- • Claims your PC is sending viruses
- • Asks for remote access (TeamViewer, etc.)
- • Requests payment for "support"
- • Creates fake error messages
The Reality
- ✓ Microsoft never cold calls about viruses
- ✓ Your ISP can't see viruses on your PC
- ✓ Real tech support doesn't call you first
- ✓ Never give remote access to strangers
- ✓ Hang up immediately
If You Gave Access
Disconnect from the internet immediately. Run antivirus software. Change all passwords from a different device. Contact your bank if you shared financial details.
4. Delivery / Parcel Scam
Texts or calls claiming a parcel couldn't be delivered and you need to pay a small fee or rearrange delivery. The link leads to a fake website that steals your card details.
Warning Signs
- • Text from unknown number about delivery
- • Small "redelivery fee" required
- • Shortened or suspicious links
- • No specific parcel or order details
- • Urgency ("pay within 24 hours")
How to Verify
- ✓ Check with the retailer directly
- ✓ Go to courier's official website
- ✓ Royal Mail never charges via text
- ✓ Use tracking numbers from your order
- ✓ Never click links in unexpected texts
5. Investment Scam
Fraudsters offer incredible investment returns in cryptocurrency, forex, or bonds. They're professional, persistent, and often show fake "returns" before asking for larger sums.
Warning Signs
- • Guaranteed high returns (20%+)
- • "Risk-free" investment claims
- • Pressure to invest quickly
- • Contacted out of the blue
- • Difficulty withdrawing money
Protection
- ✓ Check FCA register for authorisation
- ✓ If it sounds too good, it is
- ✓ Never invest under pressure
- ✓ Research thoroughly first
- ✓ Use FCA ScamSmart tool
Average loss: £45,000+ per victim. These scams are sophisticated with fake websites, testimonials, and "account managers".
6. NHS / Healthcare Scam
Scammers pose as NHS or healthcare services offering vaccinations, health checks, or claiming you're owed a refund. They target personal and payment information.
Warning Signs
- • Calls offering vaccine appointments
- • Requests for payment for NHS services
- • Links to book "health checks"
- • Claims of prescription refunds
- • Asks for bank details to "verify"
NHS Reality
- ✓ NHS services are free at point of use
- ✓ NHS will never ask for payment by phone
- ✓ Vaccine invitations come via letter/app
- ✓ Never asks for bank details
- ✓ Use NHS App or call GP directly
7. Romance Scam
Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites, build relationships over weeks or months, then request money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Often progresses to phone calls.
Warning Signs
- • Quick declarations of love
- • Always has excuses not to video call
- • Claims to work abroad (military, oil rig)
- • Emergencies requiring money
- • Requests gift cards or wire transfers
Protection
- ✓ Reverse image search their photos
- ✓ Insist on video calls early on
- ✓ Never send money to someone you haven't met
- ✓ Tell friends/family about the relationship
- ✓ Be suspicious of overseas "emergencies"
8. Pension Scam
Cold calls offering free pension reviews, early access to pension money, or high-return investments. Victims can lose their entire retirement savings.
Warning Signs
- • Unsolicited call about your pension
- • Offers to access pension before 55
- • Guaranteed returns on pension transfers
- • Pressure to decide quickly
- • "Loopholes" or "one-time opportunities"
Protection
- ✓ Cold calls about pensions are illegal
- ✓ Check FCA register before any transfer
- ✓ Get independent financial advice
- ✓ Use Pension Wise (free government service)
- ✓ Accessing pension early has huge tax penalties
Note: Since January 2019, cold calling about pensions is illegal. Any such call is automatically a scam. Hang up immediately.
Protect Yourself From Future Calls
Now that you know what to watch out for, take action to reduce unwanted calls:
What To Do If You've Been Scammed
Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call your bank's fraud line (on the back of your card). They may be able to stop or reverse transactions. Time is critical.
Report to Action Fraud
Call 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk. Get a crime reference number for your records.
Change Your Passwords
If you shared any login details, change passwords immediately. Use a different device if possible.
Check Your Credit Report
Monitor for any accounts opened in your name. Consider a fraud alert with credit agencies.
Report the Number
Report to CallerCheck and Ofcom to help warn others and support enforcement action.
Quick Reference: Reporting Contacts
Spam Text Reporting
Forward spam texts to
Golden Rules to Avoid Scams
- Never give personal details to cold callers
- Take your time - urgency is a red flag
- Hang up and call back on official numbers
- Trust your instincts - if it feels wrong, it is
- Never let strangers access your computer
- Don't click links in unexpected messages
- Verify caller identity independently
- Talk to family before making big decisions