A warning has been issued to everyone with a National Insurance number after a surge in calls were reported trying to falsely steal information. Everyone in the UK is sent a National Insurance number before their sixteenth birthday – this helps with applying for jobs, and identifies you with HMRC and the DWP.
More than 1,000 complaints have been made to Action Fraud, with victims reporting they have received an automated telephone call, during which they are told their “National Insurance number has been compromised”.
They are then instructed to “press 1 on their handset to be connected to the caller” in order to supposedly fix the issue and get a new National Insurance number. Once connected to the “caller”, victims are pressured into handing over personal details – which scammers claim is to enable them to receive a new National Insurance number.
However, giving the criminals your personal details will enable them to commit fraud using your credentials and information. If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, remember to be Scam Aware
• STOP – Don’t give out any personal or financial information by phone, text or email unless you are absolutely certain of who you are talking to
• CHALLENGE – could it be a scam? It’s perfectly acceptable to reject, refuse or ignore requests for personal or financial details.
• PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you may have fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call the Action Fraud team on 0300 123 2040. Please note this number will be charged at your normal network rate.
