Protect Your Tech

Scams that mimic your phone number

What’s the threat?

Anti-fraud specialists have warned the public about an increase in phone scams that appear to come from numbers that are similar to their own.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which works with Action Fraud within the City of London Police, said the calls match the first seven digits of the victim’s own number.

Action Fraud said that in May the public reported over 2,100 such calls. Of these, just under 70 per cent were from callers claiming to be from HMRC, and referred to the victim’s National Insurance account. They typically try to frighten you by saying you have fines to pay. Another scare tactic is for callers to claim they’re a police officer, and that there’s a warrant for your arrest.

As well as making normal phone calls, scammers have been targeting victims by making calls through Whatsapp.

How can you stay safe?

As with many scams, your most effective form of defence is scepticism. It may seem surprising or intriguing that a caller is using a similar number, but unless you recognise it you should think twice about answering. It’s not an especially sophisticated form of scam, so your best response is to decline the call. However, if you do answer you’re asked to press 1 to speak to someone. This is the kind of action that’s easy to do without thinking – we do it all the time when phoning banks and companies, for example – so train your brain to wait and think.

Also, remember that HMRC and the police will never notify you about unpaid fines or outstanding warrants by calling or texting you.