Fraud Investigation phonecalls, are there new scams going around?

jxski

Hi I've now had 8-9 calls probably more as I blocked the number, however a new number xame up today, so I answered thinking it wasn't any potential scam.

These calls are are spoken by people with a foreign accent. Started by asking me if I am Ms (my first/christian name) to confirm my name. I asked who they were, as it was skipped past or spoken very quickly I didn't understand what they said. "I am calling from fraud investigation, am I speaking to **** my name. I was suspicious as I've had really aggressive calls from scammers, claiming to be from HMRC, to the point they were shouting at Mr calling me a stupid *&£### - yep, that old scam, scare tactics. 

So..as far as I'm aware, I am not in any uncontrollable debt, I am receiving legitimate benefits due to serious medical issues. I have no utility bills outstanding, I'm confused as to why they persist to call me. At first they didn't have my surname and I have ALWAYS replied with you must have the wrong number, then they put the phone down. 

Has anyone else had these calls, from Fraud investigation with foreign accents..which I hasten to add, does not mean I am being racist. I hope I have phrased it correctly. 

It's getting me worried and a bit nervous. It's just phonecalls, no emails, letters etc 

TIA

MorningcoffeeIV

There are always new scams going around.

Just ignore them.

Brie

Yup.  It's all a series that starts up every couple of months and we'll get a few calls every day for about a week and then they bother off again until the next time.  

If I'm bored and have the time I will play along for a while.  They often will ask me to tell them some details about my pc I'm on ("oh which one as I tend to use 3 or 4 all at the same time?") and can I give them my email address ("of course!! It's IWasBornYesterday@gmail.com")  And can I click on the windows button?  ("you mean touch my screen?  is that what you mean by window?") No, can I click on the button on the keyboard with the window icon ("oh no, sorry I don't use a keyboard!!")  At about that point they get cranky and start swearing.

As for blocking numbers - it may not do any good because there's programmes that will bounce a call around the phone system so that it looks like it's coming from 01737 XXXX but is actually generated by a computer somewhere outside of the UK.  And the telephone preference service is unable to stop any of it.

jxski

Thank you for replies..the numbers are from mobiles. I mistakenly rang one back and it just said "This number is unknown". That's that answered then I presume. 
 Many thanks. 

sourcrates

Just like the thread further down about the "Credit investigation dept emails" this is likely the phone version.

Pay no attention to such things.

Teapot55

Is this phone calls you’re getting on your mobile or your landline @jxski?

jxski

Teapot -apologies for the late reply.

To my mobile. All 'alleged' fraud investigation calks are to my mobile. Teapot55 said:

Is this phone calls you’re getting on your mobile or your landline @jxski?

Teapot55

jxski said:

Teapot -apologies for the late reply.

To my mobile. All 'alleged' fraud investigation calks are to my mobile. Teapot55 said:

Is this phone calls you’re getting on your mobile or your landline @jxski?

No problem @jxski. 

I asked because it’s usually easier to see who’s calling you on a mobile because if it’s somebody in your Contacts it shows their name. 

I have in the past saved numbers as ‘Scammer1’, ‘Scammer2’ etc so if they phone again I know who it is and don’t answer. 

If a new number phones you, you have to answer it really, because it might be someone you want to speak to. For instance, I’ve known our doctors to ring on a mobile number that isn’t in my Contacts!

jxski

All are from mobile numbers, I block them and now they are coming up as "suspected scam" not had any for a while now Touch Wood 🤞 so I'm hoping that's the end of it.

Good advice saving as 'Scammer1' etc  

Thanks again 

Teapot55

Teapot55 said:

I asked because it’s usually easier to see who’s calling you on a mobile because if it’s somebody in your Contacts it shows their name. 

Just need to say this - your phone showing the name of who is calling is fine if it’s Auntie Thelma or Fred Bloggs from work or something but you need to know that some scammers can make it look like it’s your bank, or the taxman (HMRC) phoning you when it’s not, it might be someone with clever software making the phone number show up as that because they are trying to get their hands on your money. 

Obviously if it says Fred Bloggs and when you answer it really is his voice on the other end that’s fine 😊