Action Fraud continues to warn the public about a National Insurance scam, after it received over 34,000 more calls in February 2021 when compared to February 2020.<\/b><\/p>\n
Victims have reported receiving an automated telephone call telling them their \u201cNational Insurance number has been compromised\u201d and in order to fix this and get a new number, the victim needs to \u201cpress 1 on their handset to be connected to the caller\u201d.<\/p>\n
Once connected to the \u201ccaller\u201d, victims are pressured into giving over their personal details in order to receive a new National Insurance number. In reality, they\u2019ve been connected to a criminal who can now use their personal details to commit fraud.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are asking the public to remain vigilant and be cautious of any automated calls they receive mentioning their National Insurance number becoming compromised.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember if you\u2019re contacted out the blue by someone asking for your personal or financial details, this could be a scam.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cEven confirming personal details, such as your email address, date of birth or mother\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\nHow to protect yourself<\/b><\/h5>\n
If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, remember to:<\/p>\n
Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.<\/p>\n
Could it be fake? It\u2019s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.<\/p>\n