OFCOM has issued a warning to the public after an increase in phone scam reports in recent months.

There have been growing instances of nuisance callers and criminals deliberately changing their Caller ID, a practice known as 'spoofing'.

Identity thieves who want to steal sensitive information such as your bank account or login details, sometimes use spoofing to pretend they're calling from your bank or credit card company.

People have taken to social media to share their experiences with one person suggesting they realised the call was fake after the caller asked for bank details: “I received a phone call and my bank’s phone number came up which I recognised.  

“He asked me if I lately received the usual scam text and email and I confirmed I did but never replied as I recognised them as fake. He then asked if I accessed my account from two locations neither of which I had been to.

“He requested my username and I realised straight away my bank never ask that so I told him I can't remember and will ring him back.

“He then tried to keep reassuring me and keep me talking explaining if I don't believe him I can look at the phone number on the back of my bank card matching the call number. I hung up and called my bank to check - all fake and a scam, it was a cloned phone number.”

OFCOM has confirmed it is working with the international regulators, as well as the telecoms industry, to find solutions to the problem, and have laid out guidelines to prevent people from becoming victims of such a scam.

What should you do?

  • Never give out personal information in response to an incoming call, or rely upon Caller ID as the sole means of identification, particularly if the caller asks to carry out an action which might have financial consequences.
  • If someone rings you asking for this information, don't provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government department's website to check whether the call was genuine.
  • OFCOM suggests waiting at least five minutes before making the call to ensure the line has cleared and you're not still speaking to the fraudster or an accomplice.

To report an ongoing fraud attempt to the police, call 101 or 999.

If you think you're a victim of Caller ID spoofing

  • Tell Action Fraud - If you've been targeted by a scam, or know someone who has, then call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

However, if debit cards, online banking or cheques are involved in the scam your first step should to contact your bank or credit card company.

  • Tell Trading Standards - If you think something may be a scam, phone 0808 223 1133 and tell Citizens Advice Consumer Service, who will pass the details of the case to Trading Standards.

The Trading Standards service is responsible for protecting consumers and the community against rogue traders and traders acting unfairly.

  • Tell Others - Warn family, friends, neighbours, local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and so on. If you get a suspicious circular or are contacted by someone who might be a scammer, make sure to warn others.