NFIB Issues A Warning Against Scam Calls

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) issued a warning related to the scam calls that appear to come from similar numbers you own. One may think they are talking to a government employee, but it could be a scammer using malicious number spoofing to get your details. 

The initial digits of the number will be the same as the number of the victim whom one receives a call from, resembling government calls related to unpaid government dues or about police warrants from government agencies that ask the recipient to press a number to talk to the police office or the advisor.

As per reports in May 2021, Action Fraud received 2110 such call reports where the initial digits matched the victim's phone number, and most such calls were referred to HMRC or the National Insurance. 

Victims also reported they received multiple such calls and messages on widely used messaging apps like WhatsApp. 

Caller ID spoofing is used to send a call from a valid phone number to your number, which can be easily done through software, and the scammer seeks the number they want to spoof – through various online/offline public platforms where you register your number. They enter your number into the spoofing software and make outbound calls. 

Due to increased spoofing cases, we must take precautions before parting with any relevant personal information. Even a small amount of personal information can be used for phishing and hacking.  

Personal details are no longer used for login information, and many firms are changing the login system to voice recognition and AI to avoid errors. Still, online scammers may record your voice on your phone to get the login. 

How To Identify It As Fake?

Government agencies or law enforcement firms will never ask for unpaid dues or outstanding police warrants through text messages or calls. Therefore, one should not receive such calls, and they should not grant any personal information to the caller.

One should reject, refuse and disconnect the calls that ask for personal information on the phone. Government agencies will never ask for information in a hurry, and they will never create any panic conditions or try to rush. Scammers only adopt methods like creating a panic to get personal information. 

If you receive any suspicious calls or text messages, you can report this to Action Fraud.