The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new phone scam warning concerning National Insurance (NI) numbers. It has been over a year since the last spate of scams involving NI numbers swept across the country, resulting in tens of thousands of incidents being reported to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, by June 2021.
Everyone in the UK is sent a National Insurance number automatically just before their 16th birthday if their parents or guardians are receiving Child Benefit for their care. This number helps identify you on UK and Scottish Government systems, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the DWP and Social Security Scotland.
However, the number of scam phone calls appears to be on the rise again as the DWP has issued a video via its official Twitter account reminding people that it never uses an automated call system to contact customers - and if you receive such a call, it’s probably a scam.
DWP posted on Twitter: “Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times.
“Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud.”
The short video explains: “DWP never use an automated call system for contacting customers.
“If you receive an automated message about your National Insurance number, it is probably a scam.”
The video guidance adds: :If you believe you have been targeted, contact Action Fraud.”
You can report a scam on the Action Fraud website here or by calling 0800 123 2040.
Last year’s scam involved victims’ receiving an automated phone call, during which they are told their ‘National Insurance number has been compromised’.
They are then instructed to ‘press 1 on their handset to be connected to the caller’ in order to supposedly fix the issue and get a new National Insurance number.
However, following these instructions lead to sinister consequences.
Once connected to the ‘caller’, victims are pressured into handing over personal details - which the fraudsters claim is to enable them to receive a new National Insurance number, giving the criminals personal details enables them to commit fraud using the victim’s credentials and information.
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 it’s you and not a fraudster - find out more here.
To keep up to date with the latest money news, join in the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out three times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
New £400 October energy discount guide includes payment dates for all account types
- Energy pre-payment meter customers must check three details to ensure they get £400 discount
- People on a low income may qualify for cash support from their local council
DWP loans worth up to £812 for people claiming certain benefits can be repaid over two years
Cost of living scam warning as criminals offer fake energy refunds and tax rebates during crisis
