Fraud Calls — When a Scam Becomes a Crime

A fraud call is any call attempting to deceive you into parting with money, personal data, or access to your accounts. Under the Fraud Act 2006, attempting fraud — even unsuccessfully — is a criminal offence. If you suspect you have been targeted, treat the call as a crime in progress.

Common signs

• Caller knows part of your real information and uses it to build trust.
• Urgency, fear, or threats are used to short-circuit your judgement.
• You are asked to authorise a payment, share a one-time code, or install software.

Typical scripts

• ""We've detected a £499 payment from your account to Amazon — was that you?""
• ""Your bank account has been compromised. We need you to move funds to a holding account.""

What to do

• Hang up. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
• Report the call to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
• If money has been taken, contact your bank within 24 hours.
• Save any SMS evidence and submit a report on GhostCallers.

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