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Nearly a third of all fraud is committed over the telephone. Criminals can impersonate your bank, the police, tax office, investment or software companies and other trusted organisations. They will try to convince you to part with your money. Hang up on cold calls from any business/authority, then ‘Take Five’ to check it out as genuine via a trusted source. Three most common scams are: Your computer has a problemA fraud investigationAn investment opportunityFraudsters tactics Criminals can disguise their phone number to make it look like it's from a bank, the tax office, the police…or anyone. They can call you with what looks like a genuine phone number.They will keep your landline open by not hanging up and even play a dialling tone over the phone.They can text messages requesting you call them, or click on a link. These messages usually appear in the same text thread as genuine messages. Never trust the caller ID display on your phone, it lies to you! Scam 1 - A COMPUTER PROBLEM The claim You have a problem with your computerCriminals may call and claim that there are problems with your computer or internet. They claim to be your computer manufacturer, telephone or internet service provider and suggest they can help you.They instruct you to download a program which gives the criminal remote access to your computer.They can then access your bank details, data and passwords.If you receive a call like this hang up. ‘Take Five’ and verify via a trusted method, not via numbers given in the call.Never allow anyone to remotely access your computer.Do not download software on the request of a phone caller.A genuine service provider will never call you out of the blue regarding issues with your computerIf you are having issues with your computer, contact the retailer you purchased it from. SCAM 2 - A FRAUD INVESTIGATION The claim Your bank account has been compromisedCriminals may call and claim to be from your bank, HMRC or police and claim there is a problem with your bank account.They often state there are corrupt staff at your bank, or criminals have cloned your bank cards and request your assistance with the investigation.They instruct you to transfer money into a secure account, provide cash, high value goods or vouchers to a courier.They tell you the account is in your name but in fact it belongs to the criminal! and the courier delievers your cash, cards and purchased items to the criminals. SCAM 3 - AN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY The claim We have an investment opportunity for you!Criminals may call you to persuade you to invest in all kinds of products, including diamonds, wine or art.They offer low risk, high rates of return, claiming it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and you'll have to act quickly.If you do invest, the criminals will often request further transport and storage costs.These investments do not exist Always report scams and fraud to Action Fraud, either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 
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