SCAM: National Insurance calls

Tuesday, 16 April 2019 01:00

People in Salisbury are receiving automated scam calls regarding their National Insurance payments.

Victims have reported receiving an automated telephone call telling them their “National Insurance number has been compromised”.

A member of the Salisbury Radio team received such a call today but couldn’t quite get to record an example of the message for your use.

It is an automated recording. In this case, the criminal’s number was 07779 995 481.

Recipients of the fraud call are told to solve their National Insurance (NI) problem and get a new NI number, they need to “Press 1 on their phone”.

This is a scam and Action Fraud are warning people in Wiltshire and Hampshire to be aware.

Once connected, victims are pressured into giving over their personal details over the phone so they may receive a new National Insurance number.

The reality is that they’ve been connected to a criminal who collects personal data and uses them to commit fraud.

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said, “We are asking the public to remain vigilant and be cautious of any automated calls they receive mentioning their National Insurance number becoming compromised.

“It’s important to remember if you’re contacted out the blue by someone asking for your personal or financial details, this could be a scam.

“Even confirming personal details, such as your email address, date of birth or mother’s maiden name, can be used by criminals to commit fraud. If you have any doubts about what is being asked of you, hang up the phone. No legitimate organisation will rush or pressure you.”

How to protect yourself

If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, remember to:

STOP

Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE

Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT

If you have provided personal details to someone over the phone and you now believe this to be a scam, contact your bank, building society and credit card company immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can also contact CIFAS to apply for protective registration. This means extra checks will be carried out when a financial service, such as a loan, is applied for using your address and personal details, to verify its you and not a fraudster.