DO YOU KNOW WHO’S CALLINGYOU?

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EVERY YEAR,people fall victim tofraud following aphone call. Fraudstersare posing as bankstaff, police officers andother officials orcompanies in a positionof trust. Often thefraudster will claimthere has been a fraudon your account andthat you need to takeaction. This type offraud is calledVishing and it’sbecoming moresophisticated andwidespread.

Vishing – how it works

I’m calling from your bank...

You just need to make a transfer to

a safe account…

Your computerhas a problem...

Please confirm your account password…

We’ve detected fraud on your account…

Just for security,

I’ll need your

card details…

Just one up front advance fee…

Guaranteed returndouble your money…

Variations of this type of fraud include:• asking the victim to assist in a police

investigation against corrupt bank staff givingaway counterfeit currency. The victim isrequested to withdraw a large sum of cashand take it home, where it is then collected bya courier

• being told that your computer has a virus andthat you can pay to have it removed. Thefraudster may also take control of yourcomputer and add software to obtain your data

InvestmentFraud – whatyou need toknowGenerally speaking, coldcalling for investmentbusiness is prohibited bylaw.

Investment fraud can takemany forms, with fraudsterscommonly using wineinvestments, share sales,land banking, rare earthminerals and carbon creditsto target potential investors.Recently, criminals havetried to scam their victimsusing “pension release”frauds where a lifetime’ssavings can be lost in amoment.

Anyone can become a victimof this type of crime, whichoften starts with a call fromsomeone claiming to be afinancial servicesprofessional and offering aninvestment opportunity whichsounds too good to be true.Thousands of people havebeen left devastated by thistype of crime – don’t let thishappen to you, see ouradvice and informationoverleaf on steps you cantake to protect yourself fromthis type of fraud.

You’ll get a call, claiming to be from your bank,the police or other officials or companies,informing you that a fraudulent payment hasbeen spotted on your account and this needs tobe resolved, or that someone has been arrestedfor using your card. The caller may even claim tobe from a service provider, informing you thatyou’re due a rebate, or you’ve overpaid on youraccount and they’d like to refund you.

You may be asked to callback using the phone numberon the back of your card – thisfurther convinces you that thecaller is genuine. However, thefraudster keeps the line open attheir end therefore when you

make the call, you are unknowinglyconnected straight back to them or theiraccomplices.

They may ask for your 4-digit PIN or askyou to key it into your phone’s handset.Once the fraudster has your PIN, bankdetails and/or online banking passwords,they have access to your money.

Hang up, wait 5 minutes to clear the line,or where possible use a different

phone line, then call back onan advertised number. If youdon’t have another telephone

to use, call someone you knowfirst to make sure the telephoneline is free.

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If you’ve been a victimIt is distressing to learn or think that you have been a victim of this type of crime. If this hashappened to you, then please report it to Action Fraud in the first instance. Action Fraud isthe UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime where you should reportfraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.

You can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report via their website reportingtemplate at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Further information and advice about this type of fraud and others can be found at:

www.cityoflondon.police.uk

www.actionfraud.police.uk

www.financialfraudaction.org.uk

www.ourwatch.org.uk

www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

The police are actively targeting fraudstersand organised criminal gangs but youneed to be mindful of unsolicited calls andemails. Follow our advice to help protectyou from this type of crime.

Protecting your card and personaldetails is vital.

• Be wary of all unsolicited calls and emails

• Never reveal personal or financialinformation, including your PIN or bankcard details to anyone

• Don’t be pressured into making importantfinancial decisions, if an offer sounds toogood to be true it probably is

• In order to clear your line from thefraudster, wait at least five minutesbefore making any calls

• Your bank will never ask you to checkthe number showing on your telephonedisplay matches their registeredtelephone number. This display cannotbe trusted, as the number showing canbe altered by the caller

• Remember – the police and banks willnever ring you and ask you to verifyyour PIN or online banking passwords,withdraw cash, transfer money toanother “safe” account or purchasehigh value goods

• If you believe you have had one of thesecalls or know someone who has, get incontact with your bank straight awayor, if you feel in immediate danger, call999

BE FIRM, SAY NO AND HANG UPON FRAUD.

Telephone scams – what you need to do

© City of London Police/Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit

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