Fraudsters are tricking Brits into handing over their personal details by telling them they need a new National Insurance number.
Action Fraud has received more than 1,000 calls about the worrying new telephone scam, the Daily Record reports.
Victims are duped by automated calls which tell them that their National Insurance numbers have been compromised.
They are then told to 'press 1' to be connected to someone who can 'fix' the problem, however they are actually fraudsters looking to extract personal details.
Once connected to the "caller", victims are pressured into handing over information - which the scammers claim is to enable them to receive a new National Insurance number.
This number helps identify you on UK and Scottish Government systems, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Social Security Scotland.
However, giving the criminals your personal details will enable them to commit fraud using your credentials and information.
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.”
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, remember to:
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 immediately and report it to Police Scotland via 101.
You can also contact CIFAS to apply for protective registration. This means extra checks will be carried out when a financial service, such as a loan, is applied for using your address and personal details, to verify its you and not a fraudster.
