Warning issued over NI number scam

Action Fraud has issued a warning to the general public in regards to a telephone call where the recipients are told that their National Insurance number has been compromised. This scam has rose to prominence over the past month resulting in thousands of reports to Action Fraud themselves.

What to watch out for?

Victims are told to press 1 on their handset to be connected to a caller who will then pressure them into giving personal details such as an email address, date of birth or a mother’s maiden name in order to receive a new National Insurance number. However the reality of this is a criminal now has all of the details they need in order to commit fraud.

What to do if you’re unsure something is a scam?

It’s important to remain cautious and keep a look out for key tell-tale signs such as the “caller” trying to pressurise you into giving away your personal details – a legitimate organisation will never pressurise or scaremonger you.
In addition to this, stop and take a moment to process what it is you are being asked for and if you’re ever in doubt you’re well within your rights to end the call.

You’ve already given your details to someone – what should you do?

If you have provided your personal details like an email address or date of birth to someone over the phone and after reading this article you now suspect this to be a scam, contact your banks or any other financial body you are associated to. It’s also best practice to report this to Action Fraud here, alternatively you can phone them on 0300 123 2040.