How to Protect Yourself from Phone Bank Help Desk Fraud: Tips and Stories from Victims

Phone fraud (bank help desk): you receive a call from a scammer pretending to be an employee of your bank or a government employee. The scammer wants to say that something is wrong with your bank account or payment. Sometimes you will receive a text message that a payment is being made and that you need to call a specific number if this is incorrect. You can read more about this scam on the about page Phone help desk fraud.

In all these cases, a scammer is trying to convince you to take quick action. The scammer often knows a lot about you, for example through a data breach. This means that the scammer appears convincing and reliable.

Remember: your bank, the police or any other government agency will not pressure you to act as quickly as possible. Bank itself has the option to block an account if necessary.

More than thirty victims
Since the beginning of April, the police in Hoeksche Waard have received more than 30 reports from people about phone bank help desk fraud. In about half of the cases it was an attempt. Unfortunately, in the other half of the reports it wasn’t just an attempt. These people were victims of phone bank help desk fraud and were robbed of almost thirty thousand euros.

What can you do yourself?
Not sure if you have a scammer on the phone? Even if you have some doubts, disconnect immediately. Find the correct telephone number of the bank, police or government agency yourself. Call and ask if what you were told and asked to do is correct. You can also visit your bank branch or police station and share your experience. This is the only way to be sure that you are really talking to the right person or group.

Still a victim of a phone scam?
If you have fallen victim to a phone scam, don’t be ashamed. You are definitely not the only one who has had this done to you. Therefore, always contact your bank immediately to block your account. And always call the police. This can be done over the phone, in person at the office or in many cases as well online. In addition, share your story with friends and acquaintances. This way you will help prevent new victims from being created.