A member recently contacted us when they received a scam phone call about their IP address. Fortunately, they recorded the call so we could warn others. Have you heard this one?
I recently received a scam call as I was rushing to the train station one Monday morning – I missed it, but they left a message.
As I juggled tapping in, checking the board and listening to the voicemail, I almost dropped my phone in shock. Apparently, I hadn’t done my taxes right and there was a warrant out for my arrest. I had to call them back on that number immediately.
In my distracted and panicked state, I almost believed them, but I soon realised it was a scam and we turned the voicemail into a cautionary video on how to spot the HMRC voicemail scam.
IP distress
We’ve since been alerted to yet another type of voicemail scam – and this time it’s about your IP address.
Another automated message left in a woman’s voice says:
“In 24 to 48 hours as your IP address has been compromised from several countries so we need to change your IP address and router which will be free of charge… so please press 1 to get connected with the technician.”
Here’s the full recording:
Like the HMRC scam voicemail, this IP address phone scam also preys on panic and urges you to make a rushed decision – to call them back before you can properly think things through.
Panic response
It’s worth repeating here some sage advice for spotting any scam: being pressured to act quickly is one of the main warning signs something could be a scam.
The scammers will take advantage of your panic and when you call them back, they’ll sound convincing and will ask you questions to steal your personal data.
This in turn may well see you put on a ‘suckers list’ of future targets for scams.
What to do
If you get a voicemail or message out of the blue that worries you, make sure you don’t give out any personal information. And if you’re sure it’s a scam, hang up.
Always question any out of the blue phone call – whether they say they’re from a legitimate organisation or not – if they ask for banking details or credit card information.
For more tips on what to do if you’re contacted out of the blue, read our free how to spot a scam guide.
It’s also really important you report the scam so the authorities can investigate it and shut it down as quickly as possible. You can do this with Action Fraud’s online reporting tool.
Have you had any experiences with scam calls? What were they and did you call them back while you were rattled? Share your stories with us.
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