Scam calls have become a daily nuisance, and Social Security scam calls are among the most dangerous. Scammers pretend to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), trying to trick people into handing over personal details or money.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If you’ve ever received a call claiming your National Insurance number is suspended or that you’re facing legal action, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down how these scams work, how to avoid Social Security scam calls, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.
A Real-Life Scam Story
A few months ago, Sarah, a retired schoolteacher from London, received a call from someone claiming to be from the DWP. The caller warned her that her State Pension payments would be stopped because of a “fraudulent activity” linked to her National Insurance number. Panicked, she was about to share her bank details when she hesitated and decided to verify the information. She hung up and called DWP directly—only to find out it was a scam.
This story isn’t unique. Every year, thousands of people across the UK fall victim to similar tricks. Let’s make sure you don’t become one of them.
How Social Security Scams Work
Fraudsters use different tactics to make their scam calls sound convincing. Here’s how they typically operate:
1. Impersonating Government Officials
Scammers often pretend to be from:
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- National Insurance Office
They might use official-sounding language and even spoof government phone numbers to make their call look real.
2. Creating a Sense of Urgency
They’ll try to scare you by claiming:
- Your National Insurance number has been compromised.
- You owe unpaid taxes and face legal action.
- Your State Pension will be stopped unless you act immediately.
3. Demanding Immediate Action
Scammers will pressure you into:
- Sharing personal details like your National Insurance number or bank information.
- Making payments via bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Downloading a malicious app or email attachment.
How to Avoid Social Security Scam Calls
Now that you know how these scams work, let’s explore how to protect yourself.
1. Don’t Trust Caller ID
Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them look like official government agencies. Even if it says “HMRC” or “DWP” on your screen, don’t assume the call is real.
🔹 What to do?
Hang up and call the government department directly using their official website contact details.
2. Never Share Personal Information
No government agency will call you out of the blue asking for:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank details
- Your passwords
🔹 What to do?
If someone asks for personal details over the phone, assume it’s a scam and refuse to share any information.
3. Be Wary of Threats and Urgency
Scammers thrive on fear. They’ll say things like:
- “Your pension will be cancelled today!”
- “Police will arrest you in 24 hours!”
- “This is your final warning!”
🔹 What to do?
Take a deep breath. Legitimate agencies won’t threaten you over the phone. If you’re unsure, hang up and verify with the organisation directly.
4. Ask Questions
A scammer’s worst nightmare? A well-informed person! If you get a suspicious call, ask questions like:
- “What is my official case reference number?”
- “Can I verify this on the DWP or HMRC website?”
- “Can you send me this information in writing?”
Scammers usually get flustered when you challenge them, and they might hang up.
5. Block and Report Scam Numbers
🔹 How to block scam calls?
- On an iPhone: Go to recent calls → Click the “i” icon → Tap “Block this caller.”
- On Android: Open the Phone app → Tap the number → Select “Block/report spam.”
🔹 Where to report scam calls?
- Report fraud to Action Fraud
- Report HMRC-related scams
6. Sign Up for Call Blocking Services
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) allows you to opt out of unwanted calls.
Register for free with TPS.
What to Do If You Fall for a Scam
If you’ve accidentally shared your details or lost money, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
1. Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call your bank’s fraud department and explain what happened. They may be able to freeze your account or reverse a fraudulent transaction.
2. Report the Scam to Action Fraud
Go to Action Fraud and file a report.
3. Check Your Credit Report
Scammers might try to open accounts in your name. Use free services like:
- Experian
- Equifax
4. Update Your Security Settings
- Change your bank passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts.
- Be cautious with future phone calls and emails.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding Social Security scam calls is all about staying informed and trusting your instincts. Remember:
✅ Government agencies won’t call you out of the blue.
✅ Never share personal or financial details over the phone.
✅ Verify everything—hang up and call back using an official number.
Scammers are getting smarter, but so are we. Stay alert, spread awareness, and help protect yourself and others from falling victim.
