Protecting your Loved Ones from Phone Scams: What You Need to Know

Phone scams targeting older people are rising sharply across Essex and the UK. Thousands of residents report fraud every year, with criminals often focusing on those over 65. One of the most common scams involves fake calls pretending to be from your bank. These calls sound very real, making it easy to fall victim if you don’t know what to watch for.

Understanding how these scams work and what to do if you receive one can protect your loved ones and yourself from losing money and personal information.

How the Fake Bank Call Scam Works

The scam usually begins with a call claiming:

“We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account.”

This message is designed to create worry and urgency. The caller often sounds calm and polite, sometimes even knowing your name or part of your address. They may claim to be from well-known banks like Barclays, Lloyds Bank, or HSBC.

After this introduction, the scammer might:

• Say money has already been taken from your account

• Claim your account is “not safe”

• Offer to “help move your money” to a “safe account”

  
  

In Essex, police have reported cases where victims lost thousands of pounds in a single call. The scammer pushes you to act immediately, warning that your money must be moved right away.

⚠️ This is always a scam. There is no such thing as a “safe account” where your bank would move money to protect you.

The caller will then ask for sensitive information such as:

• Your PIN

• Passwords

• One-time passcodes sent to your phone

• Answers to security questions

  
  

Everything is designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking.

What Your Bank Will Never Do

Knowing what your bank will never ask for is one of the best ways to stay safe. Banks follow strict rules to protect your information and money. They will never:

• Ask for your full PIN or password over the phone

• Ask you to move money to a “safe account”

• Request a one-time passcode that was sent to your phone

• Pressure you to act quickly or stay on the line

  
  

If a caller rushes you or makes you feel anxious, that is a major warning sign. Real bank representatives want to help, not scare you.

How to Stay Safe from Phone Scams

If you receive a suspicious call, follow these simple steps:

• Hang up immediately

• Take a moment to stay calm

• Wait at least 5 minutes before using your phone again (some scammers stay on the line to catch you if you call back)

  
  

It’s also a good idea to:

• Contact your bank directly using a phone number from their official website or your bank card

• Tell family members or friends about the call, especially if they are older or more vulnerable

• Report the scam to Essex Police or Action Fraud to help protect others

Why Older People Are Targeted

Older adults are often targeted because scammers believe they may be less familiar with technology or more trusting of phone calls. They may also have savings or pensions that scammers want to steal. This makes it especially important for families and communities to share information and support older loved ones in spotting scams.

Real-Life Example from Essex

A woman in Essex received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank. The caller said suspicious activity was detected and urged her to transfer money to a “safe account.” Feeling pressured, she gave her PIN and a one-time code. Within minutes, thousands of pounds were withdrawn from her account. She reported the fraud to Essex Police, who warned others about this scam.

This example shows how quickly scammers can act and why it’s critical to stay calm and verify calls independently.

Supporting Your Loved Ones

You can help protect older family members by:

• Talking openly about phone scams and how they work

• Encouraging them to never share personal or banking details over the phone

• Helping them set up call blocking or screening features on their phones

• Sharing trusted resources from Essex Police and Action Fraud

  
  

Regular conversations about scams can build awareness and confidence to say no to suspicious calls.

Phone scams pretending to be from banks are a serious threat in Essex and beyond. By understanding how these scams work and what your bank will never ask for, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim. Always stay calm, hang up on suspicious calls, and verify independently. Sharing this knowledge is one of the strongest defenses against fraud.