Identifying Malicious Phone Calls
Malicious phone calls are designed to trick you into giving away personal information or money. Scammers often pretend to be from trusted companies, government departments, or even your bank. They may say there’s a problem with your account, a suspicious payment, or that you’re owed money. These calls are made to sound urgent and convincing, but their goal is always the same: to steal your information or money.
On this page, we’ll explain the most common types of phone scams - including impersonation scams, fake tech support, and government threats. You’ll learn how to spot warning signs, like callers pressuring you, asking for sensitive information, or making threats. We’ll also show you what to say (or not say) if you receive a suspicious call, how to safely end it, and how to report it.
By the end of this page, you’ll feel confident in recognising scam calls and keeping your personal information safe.
What Are The Most Common Phone Scams?
Typically, the most common phone call scams are as follows:
- Bank or Fraud Department Scams - Claiming your account is at risk and urging you to move money.
- HMRC or Tax Scam Calls - Threatening arrest or fines unless you pay immediately.
- Tech Support Scams - Pretending your computer has a virus and asking for access or payment.
- Family Emergency Scams - Pretending to be a loved one in trouble asking for urgent money.
How To Spot a Malicious Phone Call
Scam callers often try to rush or pressure you into making quick decisions, especially when it comes to money or personal information. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- They create a sense of urgency - e.g. “Your account is at risk!” or “You’ll be arrested today if you don’t act.”
- They ask for personal or financial information - Legitimate companies will never ask for full passwords, PINs, or card numbers over the phone.
- The call is unexpected or unprofessional - You weren't expecting it, and the caller may sound pushy, scripted, or vague.
- They ask you to transfer money or download something - This is a major red flag - especially if they ask you to use specific methods like gift cards or crypto.
- They tell you to keep it a secret - Scammers often say “don’t tell anyone” to stop you from checking with someone who could spot the scam.
What To Do If You Receive a Malicious Phone Call
If a call doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to be safe. Here are three simple steps to protect yourself:
- Hang up immediately - You don’t need to explain - just end the call. Real companies won’t mind if you call them back directly.
- Don’t give out any personal details - Never share your bank info, passwords, or PINs over the phone - even if they sound convincing.
- Report the call - You can report scam calls to Action Fraud (UK) or by forwarding the number to 7726 (a free spam reporting service).
If you do unfortunately fall victim to being scammed, please view our "I've been scammed" page by clicking here.