A convincing phone call can be one of the hardest scams to spot, because the caller may sound calm, professional and well-informed. Criminals can also fake the number that shows on your screen, so caller ID alone is never proof of who is calling.
Common pressure tactics
- Creating urgency, such as claiming your account is at immediate risk.
- Asking you to confirm a security code that has just arrived on your phone.
- Asking you to move money to a so-called safe account.
- Telling you to keep the call secret or not to hang up to verify.
What a genuine call from us will not do
- We will not ask for your portal password or two-factor code.
- We will not ask you to transfer money to a new account during the call.
- We will not object if you want to call us back to confirm who we are.
The safest response
If you are unsure, hang up. Wait a short while, then call us back on a number you already trust from your portal or our official website. Genuine callers will always understand you taking this step to protect your business.
See also: How do you verify it is really me on the phone?, Are your phone calls recorded? and Can I make a complaint over the phone?.