As scam calls become increasingly sophisticated, many people are left feeling uncertain about when a phone call is legitimate or when it’s time to hang up. Unfortunately, these criminals are becoming better at impersonating trusted entities, making it harder for the average person to spot the scam. However, according to a call centre expert, there are three distinct warning signs that should immediately “set alarm bells ringing.”
Ged Ryan, Managing Director at Consumer Links, a UK-based call centre and customer service outsourcing firm, explained that while scammers are getting better at manipulating people, there are still key indicators that can help you identify a fraudulent call. “As a company that handles thousands of legitimate customer calls every week, we know the hallmarks of professional service – and what separates it from criminal manipulation,” he said.
How to spot a fraudulent call
1. Being asked for personal or financial information
Perhaps the most obvious red flag is when a caller asks for sensitive personal or financial details. According to Ryan, “if someone asks for bank details, payment, or confidential data over the phone, it’s almost certainly a scam.”
Scammers often pose as trusted institutions like banks, HMRC, or even police officers, attempting to build false trust in order to manipulate their targets. Legitimate companies will never ask for this type of information over the phone, making it a key indicator of fraud.
2. Promises of large financial rewards, refunds, or prizes
Another common tactic used by scammers is offering unsolicited financial rewards or prizes. They might claim that you’re owed a large refund, or that you’ve won a contest or lottery that you didn’t enter.
Ryan warned that “these criminals rely on creating panic,” often using high-pressure tactics to make you act quickly without thinking.
“They’ll claim your account has been compromised or that you’re owed a refund – all designed to make you act quickly,” the expert added. Remember, no reputable business would ever pressure you into making decisions on the spot.
3. Instructions to install an app or click a link
Finally, one of the most dangerous tactics scammers use is instructing victims to install an app or click a link, often disguised as an urgent security measure. This allows them to gain access to the device and sensitive information.
Ryan warned that “if you’re told to install an app or software, you should end the call straight away – this is a common method used by fraudsters to access your device.”
Ryan highlighted that scammers are increasingly using sophisticated methods to gain your trust, sometimes gathering personal details through texts, emails, or social media messages before even making the call.