Scam Call Checklist Explained!

Scam Call Checklist Explained! - Everything you need to know about telephone scams and how to avoid them.

After my experience of being scammed the other day, you can read all about that over in my blog post “What Being the Victim of a Telephone Scam Has Taught Me About Myself.” I did some research about scamming and then got some help organising it into something useful by some clever AI tech. So, grab a cuppa and take a few minutes to learn how to use the Downloadable Checklist Card and safeguard yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of telephone scams and hopefully, you will do far better at spotting a scammer than I did.

If you don’t have one yet, you can download it right here.

So what is this card and how can it help you?

After my experience, I wanted to help myself and others not fall for the same scam. I created a small pocket-sized card with 4 simple instructions for anyone to follow when taking a call from an unknown number.

On the card you will find these steps:

1. STOP. THINK. This could be a scam! regardless of what the other person is saying and how serious it may sound. Always stop and think, is this plausible, how can I verify what I’m being told?

2. What company are you from? (You will need to know this information for step 4). Scammers tend to use real company names, but you need to know which company is calling you, to help you verify the call later, and if it is a scam, it’s important when reporting that you can identify which company the scammers are using to trick people. This can help the police with their investigation.

3. What is your name? A scammer is not lightly to give you their real name but again this information is useful for step 4, and to help the police if you are being scammed.

4. I will call you on your official number. This is the most important step. Regardless of what you are being told or asked to do, make sure YOU CALL THEM.

NEVER take any contact details always go to the official website and find the information yourself. If everything is fine you will be able to reach the department again through the proper channels.


Let's take a look at the different types of telephone scams that you should be aware of. Here are a few examples:

  1. Banking scams: These scammers pose as bank officials and convince their victims to reveal sensitive account information, passwords, or PIN numbers.

  2. HMRC scams: In this type of scam, fraudsters claim to be from HM Revenue and Customs and threaten legal action if you don't pay a phoney tax bill.

  3. Lottery scams: Scammers inform their victims that they've won a huge sum of money, but before they can claim it, they must pay a processing fee or taxes. Don't fall for it!

  4. Tech support scams: These crafty scammers pretend to be tech support representatives and persuade unsuspecting victims to grant them access to their computers. They then charge hefty fees for unnecessary repairs.

Now that you know the types of scams to watch out for, let's talk about how to recognize the warning signs. As busy parents, it's crucial to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for these red flags:

  1. Unsolicited calls: Scammers often catch us off guard with unexpected calls, claiming to be from trusted organizations. Don't let them fool you!

  2. High-pressure tactics: These fraudsters will try to rush you into making hasty decisions, preventing you from taking the time to think things through. Remember, it's okay to take a step back and assess the situation.

  3. Requests for personal or financial information: Legitimate organizations will never ask you to provide personal or financial details over the phone. If someone does, it's a big warning sign!

  4. Threats or intimidation: Scammers may resort to intimidation tactics, using threats to scare you into compliance. Don't let their fear tactics work on you!

Now, here are a couple of real-life examples of how scammers are using advanced technology to trick people. These cases demonstrate the need for extra caution:

In 2019, a CEO of a UK energy firm fell victim to a "deep fake" audio impersonation. The scammers used AI-powered technology to manipulate audio, making it seem like the CEO was instructing a transfer of £243,000 to the CEO of their company's German parent firm (BBC News, 2019). It's a stark reminder that scammers are constantly evolving and using sophisticated methods to deceive us.

Another example involves the use of chatbots. Scammers are employing AI-powered chatbots to simulate human conversations, making it harder for us to identify that we're actually speaking with a machine. These chatbots may impersonate customer service representatives or tech support, tricking us into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software onto our devices. Watch out for my next blog on AI Scams to scare parents.

To protect yourself and your family from these new AI-powered scam tactics, it's essential to take extra precautions when receiving unsolicited calls or messages. Always approach them with caution and remember these key tips:

  1. Be cautious: Treat unsolicited calls or messages as potential scams until proven otherwise. Don't rush into sharing personal information or financial details unless you're absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the caller.

  2. Report suspicious calls: If you encounter suspicious calls, report them to the appropriate authorities. Organizations like the Financial Conduct Authority or Action Fraud can investigate and take action against scammers.

  3. Safeguard personal information: Keep your personal information secure. Avoid sharing it online unless necessary, shred sensitive documents before discarding them, and regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.

  4. Educate your children: Teach your children about telephone scams and how to identify them. Make sure they understand the importance of not giving out personal or financial information over the phone without your permission.

  5. Stay informed: Stay up to date with the latest scam trends by reading news articles and following reliable sources like the Financial Conduct Authority or the Citizens Advice Bureau. Sharing information with friends and family can also help protect them from falling victim to scams.

Remember, as busy parents, you have a lot on your plate, but staying informed and vigilant can go a long way in safeguarding your family from telephone scams. By being sceptical of unsolicited calls, conducting research, not relying solely on caller ID, and utilizing call-blocking services, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.

It's unfortunate that scammers are using advanced technologies like AI to deceive people, but with knowledge and proactive steps, you can stay one step ahead of them. By nurturing a sense of scepticism, staying informed, and fostering open communication with your family, you can create a safe environment where telephone scams are less likely to cause harm.

Remember, you're doing an amazing job as a parent, and protecting your family from scams is just another way you're demonstrating your love and care. Stay informed, stay alert, and together, we can outsmart those scammers and keep our loved ones safe.

Here is a list of helpful websites in the UK that can provide assistance and information regarding scams:

  1. Action Fraud: The UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can report scams and get advice on fraud prevention. Website: www.actionfraud.police.uk

  2. Citizens Advice: Provides free and impartial advice on various topics, including consumer rights, scams, and fraud prevention. Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

  3. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): The regulatory body for financial services in the UK. It offers resources and guidance on avoiding investment scams and protecting your money. Website: www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

  4. Trading Standards: Local Trading Standards offices can offer support and advice on scams and consumer protection in your area. Website: www.tradingstandards.uk

  5. Take Five to Stop Fraud: A national campaign backed by major banks and other organizations to help you protect yourself from financial fraud. Website: www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

  6. Get Safe Online: Provides practical advice and resources to protect yourself and your family from online scams, identity theft, and other cyber threats. Website: www.getsafeonline.org

  7. Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA): Regulates premium rate phone services and provides guidance on dealing with phone-related scams and complaints. Website: www.psauthority.org.uk

Remember, these websites are valuable resources to help you stay informed and protected. If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you have been targeted by a scam, don't hesitate to report it and seek guidance from the appropriate authorities.

Let me know in the comments below if this information was helpful.

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