|
|
|
|
|
|
Who do you call if you don't know your bank number and think your being scammed?
NEARLY all of us have encountered suspicious activity or been a victim of fraud. Annoyingly, according to the UK's National Trading Standards, 40 million of UK adults, or 73%, have been targeted by scams, and 19 million, or 35%, have lost money. But many of us are still wondering how to report scams and don't know most of the simple ways we can help to prevent others from being scammed.
Currently, there are different ways fraudsters can attempt to get in touch with you:-
Plus, sometimes you might get a pop-up on an app or website, that claims to be your bank or someone protesting you against a suspicious threat. Just like a virus can be downloaded, this scam asks you to call a number. Don't! STOP... Think! Even if it looks like your antivirus, do not call it...
We take it for granted that we all know the rule... If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details - stop, and hang up. Then what? We have in the past also told our UK readers to report suspicious text messages to Action Fraud by forwarding them to:- 7726, which is a free service. You can also text:- "Call" followed by the scam caller's number to:- 7726 to report fraud to Action Fraud, and your mobile phone provider, which is also free. If you text:- "Call" you will get a response asking for you to send the number that called you. This reply is also free, but only send the number! If you’ve been scammed, defrauded, or experienced cyber crime, report we always say you should report it to your bank and Action Fraud online or by calling:- 03001232040 if in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, you should report any financial crime to Police Scotland by calling:- 101. But how do you quickly speak directly to your bank, but don't have your bank number? What number can you call? Did you know that 70% of UK banks are part of a pilot scheme that works in the same way as 101 for the Police or 111 for the NHS? 159 is available in the UK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sadly, unlike the emergency numbers, this number is not free to call, but if you are worried and need to call your bank quickly, but don't have a number, 159 will help you get in contact if your bank is part of the scheme. The cost is the same as a national rate call, which is usually included in most phone tariffs depending on your phone provider. The 159 service was launched in 2021 to provide a memorable simple way to connect UK banking customers safely and securely with their bank if they receive an unexpected or suspicious call about a financial matter. It is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee funded by its members but has a sector-neutral approach to its members and those who use the service. Stop Scams UK has full support from key sector regulators including Ofcom, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Information Commissioner’s Office. For more information visit:- StopScamsUK.Org.UK.
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
