Fraudulent calls are a significant concern for individuals in the UK, with scammers continually developing new techniques to deceive unsuspecting victims. Protecting yourself from these scams requires vigilance and the use of reliable tools designed to filter and block unwanted calls. In this guide, we will explore various methods and tools to help you avoid fraudulent calls, with a focus on Hullomail and Another Number by Thumbtel.

Start Blocking Fraudulent Calls in the UK

Understanding Fraudulent Calls

Fraudulent calls, also known as scam calls, involve the use of deceit to trick people into divulging personal information, making payments, or engaging in actions that benefit the scammer. These calls can come from seemingly legitimate sources and may involve sophisticated tactics, including impersonation and spoofing.

Common Types of Fraudulent Calls

  1. Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as trusted entities such as banks, government agencies, or tech support.
  2. Prize or Lottery Scams: Callers claim you have won a prize or lottery but require a fee to collect the winnings.
  3. Technical Support Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be tech support from well-known companies, claiming there is an issue with your computer that needs fixing.
  4. Bank Scams: These involve calls claiming unauthorized transactions on your account, urging you to transfer money to a “safe” account.
  5. HMRC Scams: Callers impersonate the HM Revenue and Customs, threatening legal action over unpaid taxes.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Calls

Use Call Blocking Apps

One of the most effective ways to prevent fraudulent calls is by using call blocking apps. Hullomail and Another Number by Thumbtel offer robust solutions to help you manage and block unwanted calls.

  • Hullomail: Hullomail provides a comprehensive voicemail service with call-blocking features. It screens incoming calls and blocks those identified as spam or fraudulent, ensuring your voicemail remains secure. Learn more about Hullomail.
  • Another Number: This app offers a second phone number, which can be used for specific purposes such as work or online transactions, keeping your primary number private and reducing the risk of scam calls. Learn more about Another Number.

Verify Caller Identity

Before providing any information or taking action based on a phone call, verify the caller’s identity:

  • Hang Up and Call Back: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a known and trusted phone number.
  • Check Contact Information: Use official websites or documents to verify contact details.

Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

Awareness is a key defense against fraudulent calls. Stay informed about the latest scam tactics:

  • Regular Updates: Follow news updates and warnings from reliable sources such as Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting center.
  • Community Alerts: Join local community groups or forums where members share information about recent scam activities.

Known Safety Threats

Understanding specific threats can help you better prepare and respond to fraudulent calls:

  1. Spoofing: Scammers use technology to display a fake caller ID, making it appear as if the call is from a legitimate source.
  2. Phishing: Similar to email phishing, this involves callers trying to extract sensitive information under false pretenses.
  3. Robocalls: Automated calls that deliver prerecorded messages, often containing fraudulent content or instructions.

How to Communicate Safely with Hullomail and Another Number by Thumbtel

Hullomail

  • Advanced Voicemail Management: Hullomail provides visual voicemail, allowing you to see who called and decide whether to listen to, delete, or return the call.
  • Spam Call Filtering: Automatically blocks known spam numbers and alerts you to potential fraud.
  • Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemail messages to text, enabling quick and safe review of messages without having to listen to potentially harmful calls.

Get the Hullomail App on the App Store or on Google Play

Another Number

  • Separate Numbers: Use a second number for online shopping, work, or other activities, keeping your primary number private.
  • Call Screening: Screen incoming calls to the second number, helping you avoid unwanted interactions.
  • Privacy Control: Easily manage and control who has access to your secondary number, reducing exposure to scams.

Get the Another Number App on the App Store or on Google Play

Additional Tips for Safe Communication

  1. Use Do Not Disturb Mode: Activate this mode to silence all calls except those from your contacts.
  2. Report Fraudulent Calls: Report any suspicious calls to Action Fraud or your phone carrier to help combat scams.
  3. Regular Number Changes: Consider changing your phone number periodically, especially if you receive frequent scam calls.

Conclusion

Avoiding fraudulent calls in the UK requires a combination of awareness, proactive measures, and the use of reliable tools like Hullomail and Another Number by Thumbtel. By staying informed, verifying caller identities, and leveraging technology designed to protect your privacy, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scam calls. Remember, your safety and privacy are paramount, and taking these steps will help you communicate safely and confidently.

More on fraudulent calls in the UK: