Scam awareness

Know the script before the call comes.

Fraudsters reuse the same handful of scripts. Read them once with the person you care for, and the next call sounds obvious instead of frightening.

Six scripts to recognise

The bank fraud call
“We've spotted suspicious activity. To protect your money, move it to a safe account.”
- Urgency and secrecy in the same breath
- Asks you to move money or read out a code
- Tells you not to speak to family or staff
The delivery fee text
“Your parcel is held. Pay £1.45 to reschedule.”
- A tiny payment to harvest card details
- Link domain doesn't match the courier
- No tracking number you recognise
The refund email
“You are owed a tax refund. Confirm your details to claim.”
- Refunds are never claimed by email link
- Generic greeting, real logo
- Attachment or form asking for bank details
The doorstep trader
“We're working next door and noticed your roof. Cash today only.”
- No written quote, cash pressure
- Wants access to the loft or fuse box
- Won't leave a company address
The tech-support pop-up
“Your computer is infected. Call this number now.”
- Asks to install remote-access software
- Payment by voucher or transfer
- Claims to be Microsoft or your provider
The romance or grandchild plea
“It's me, I've lost my phone — can you send money today?”
- New number, urgent money request
- Asks you to keep it between you two
- Story changes when questioned

Hang up, close the door, or delete the message. Ending contact is never rude.
Wait ten minutes. Fraud relies on speed; nothing legitimate collapses in ten minutes.
Call the organisation back on the number printed on a statement or card — never the one given to you.
Tell someone. Naming it out loud breaks the spell and creates a record.
Report it to your bank and to the national fraud line, then change any shared passwords.