How to Avoid and Recognise Telephone Scams: Protecting Yourself in Retirement

75% of fraud attempts happen over the phone. They happen to everyone. But in retirement, you might get targeted with more than you used to. In a digital age, feeling secure at home means more than a lock on the door. Your private information also needs to be safe from misuse. Knowing how to recognise telephone scams and prevent fraudulent activity will help you approach them with a level head and access support when you need it.

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Common Types of Telephone Scams

Fake Tech Support

Gadgets like mobiles, laptops and tablets store our data, so they are popular targets for scammers. You might receive a phone call claiming your computer has a virus or experience a frozen or blank screen, followed by a pop-up message offering fake IT support.

Fictional Charities

Another popular ploy is to call you impersonating a charity. The impersonator will ask for donations and insist you make an immediate payment over the phone. Remember that legitimate charities will have an up-to-date website where you can donate securely online, at your leisure. It is unusual for any payments or personal information to be required over the phone.

Banking Scams

Scammers also impersonate legitimate financial businesses like HMRC or your bank. Someone could call claiming a savings account has been compromised, you owe money or a debit payment has been missed.

Typically, they will ask for personal details, including passwords and bank account information. Scammers will also employ urgency and fear tactics to cloud your judgment and get the information quickly.   

Impersonating Family

Some scammers even go as far as pretending to be a family member and ask for financial help. Common examples include the costs of repairing a broken car or rent payments.

Financial Incentive Scams

Is someone calling with an offer that is too good to be true? Maybe it is hitting the lottery jackpot or winning a postcode prize draw. With a scammer, there is always a catch. Maybe it is an admin fee, or they need your bank details over the phone.

What are the Warning Signs of a Telephone Scam?

If you think you are receiving a fraudulent call, here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

Was I Expecting a Call?

A surprise buzz from a family member or friend can be lovely. But if you receive an unexpected call, it is worth checking if the number belongs to somebody you know before picking it up!

Do I Recognise This Number?

If you receive a call from an unrecognised number, consider letting it go to voicemail. Most people will call again on the same number if it’s urgent or leave you a voicemail telling you who they are, why they have called and how to contact them back.

Is the Caller Asking Me for Sensitive Information?

As a rule of thumb, never give out information over the phone unless you are 100% sure you know and can trust the caller. If they ask you for private information like bank details or passwords, it is time to put the phone down. No legitimate bank or financial organisation will make an unsolicited call or request sensitive information over the phone.

How is the Call Making Me Feel?

When in doubt, trust your gut. Scammers are experienced in playing to our emotions. Worrying about a family member or anxiety about a tech problem can compromise our judgment. If you feel like someone is pushing your buttons, stay calm, end the call and speak to someone you trust.

Are There Payment Demands or Conditions?

It is highly unusual for a legitimate caller to insist on paying over the phone or to request an everyday payment by unconventional methods like wire transfer.

Can I spot any Inconsistencies?

Discrepancies from the caller are a tell-tale sign something is amiss. Poor grammar or spelling in text exchanges associated with the call is also a red flag. If you receive text messages from an unknown correspondent asking you to follow a link, do not click it or provide any payment information.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Telephone Scams:

• Do not give out your personal information over the phone.
• Be wary of unsolicited financial gifts, offers and advice.
• Use caller ID and call blocking.
• If you are not sure, hang up.
• Talk to someone you trust about your concerns.
• Report scams to action fraud or the police.

Resources and Support

If you have experienced a fraudulent call and have concerns, here are some online support resources for reporting and dealing with suspicious activity.

• Action Fraud (UK): The national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
• Age UK: Provides helpful advice and support.
• The Silver Line: A free, confidential helpline.

A Churchill Promise: We Priorities Your Peace of Mind

A retirement home in one of our independent living communities means safety, security and freedom to enjoy retirement your way. Your peace of mind is at the heart of what we do. If you have any concerns, big or small, contact the Churchill living team.