Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering people to take a stand against scams.
Friends Against Scams has launched a national campaign (from 14 August) aimed at blocking scam and nuisance phone calls.
An initial trial in 2019 resulted in 91% of scam and nuisance calls being blocked which resulted in people feeling happier as they were no longer receiving nuisance calls.
Many of us receive nuisance calls on a daily basis which result in you hanging up, but then they call you back later that day, the day after and the day after – it can be persistent.
Unfortunately, many people also receive scam calls which leaves you feeling upset, angry and vulnerable.
The most common scams include white goods’ warranties, green energy grants or deals and technical support. Other phone scams include someone claiming to be from your bank and informing you that there has been fraudulent activity with your account. If you have been scammed:-
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve lost money. They may be able to help you to recover the funds and secure your account.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud either online or over the phone – visit actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
- Be extra cautious and don’t share your personal information.
From 14 August, a call blocking unit will be available. It filters unwanted scam and nuisance phone calls from a landline phone (this unit does not work with mobile phones).
The unit plugs into an existing landline phone and phone line, it can work alongside broadband and/or lifeline/pendant devices that are already installed.
You can find out more about call blocking units, how they work and watch some short animations on how the unit works www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker.