Phone Call Section

When you press the button below, it will play an audio clip of a phone conversation between a fraudulent caller and receiver, where the caller is trying to convince the receiver of a missed payment. Listen carefully, and try to find the key indicators listed below.

Click here to play the Phone Call

Why are they calling?
The caller is warning the receiver of a due payment, and is threatening to discard the receiver's delivery. The scenario created by the caller is designed to create panic, so that the receiver doesn't think about their actions. In this case, it is important to stop and think about wether or not you have a parcel due, and if the call is legitimate. The receiver does question the caller, but the caller presses on with urgency, to try and panic the receiver into acting quickly.



What do they want?
The caller is asking the receiver to make a payment, and give their details over the phone. If the receiver were to do this, they would risk the caller taking their details and emptying their account. The receiver does question the caller, as in a legitimate scenario a company such as Royal Mail would not ask for payment over the phone. However, the caller uses different tactics to try and scare the receiver into giving over their details. It is important to remember that in a legitimate scenario, a company would not ask for payment over the phone. If you are questioning the legitimacy of the caller, you should hang up and call the company using a number you have independently verified.



How did they get this number?
Scammers can come by your number in a large variety of ways, and it is virtually impossible to avoid them from getting ahold of your details. Therefore, you shouldn't worry about how or why you receive fradulent calls, only how you respond to them.



What next?
The best way to respond to a call like this one is to hang up immediately, or as soon as you realise that something isn't right. To verify the call, you should try contacting the company through a different method. You can find the official contact detail's on the company's website, or on a letter you have received from them. It is important that you use a method that you know is legitimate, and is different from the number that has called you.

It is also important to report the call, which you can do by calling action fraud on 0300 123 2040. Even if no harm was done, reporting the crime can help to prevent the scammers from targeting other people.

To find out more about reporting fraudulent phone calls, click here.