Brits are being urged to stay alert for National Insurance scams where fraudsters try to steal your personal details.
The scam involves someone contacting you out of blue, to falsely claim your National Insurance number has been “compromised” or used in illegal activity.
They’ll wrongly tell you that you need a new number, and will ask you to “press one on your handset to be connected to the caller” - but this “caller” is actually a scammer who will ask for your personal details.
Once they’ve asked for information about yourself, they can then use this information to commit fraud in your name.
If you receive one of these calls, you should hang up the phone and not hand over any sensitive information.
Have you fallen victim to this scam? Get in touch: Mirror.Money.Saving@mirror.co.uk
Action Fraud issued a warning about National Insurance scam back in March and at the time, said it had received 34,000 more calls about this type of fraud in the last month compared to the previous year.
Several police forces have also tweeted warnings to people this week following spikes of fraudsters pretending to be officers.
The police will never ask for your National Insurance number or your bank details over the phone.
Edinburgh Police tweeted: “If you receive a call telling you that your National Insurance number or bank account has been linked to a criminal investigation, hang up the phone. It's a scam.”
Cheshire Police also posted the following message: “We've seen a recent spate in reports of scam calls purporting to be from Cheshire Police.
“No officer would ask for personal details such as bank account or National Insurance numbers - if you get a call, hang up and report it to 101.”
People have also been complaining about National Insurance scams on Twitter.
One person said: "Just had a call with a recorded message to say that my National Insurance number was going to be suspended because of my criminal activity.
"If I didn't press one, an arresting officer would be coming round."
Another person tweeted: "Scam numbers have called me twice relating to my National Insurance number regarding a suspension??? So many people have been getting the same call today and it’s terrifying."
A third said: "Just had a weird phone call saying my National Insurance number is going to be suspended. I’m sure it’s got to be a scam. I’ve done nothing wrong! Has anyone else had a call like this?"
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, Action Fraud says you should follow these steps:
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: If you have provided personal details to someone over the phone and you now believe this to be a scam, contact your bank, building society and credit card company and report it immediately.
You can contact Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Its phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.
Or if you live in Scotland, contact Police Scotland to report the fraud.
Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud, said: “We are asking the public to remain vigilant and be cautious of any automated calls they receive mentioning their National Insurance number becoming compromised.
“It’s important to remember if you’re contacted out the blue by someone asking for your personal or financial details, this could be a scam.
“Even confirming personal details, such as your email address, date of birth or mother’s maiden name, can be used by criminals to commit fraud.
“If you have any doubts about what is being asked of you, hang up the phone. No legitimate organisation will rush or pressure you.”
