Lesson 4
Calls and messages from strangers
How to check who is really calling, and how to call back safely.
About 3 minutes
Anyone can pretend
On the phone, anyone can say they are anyone. A caller can say “I am from your bank” or “This is your nephew”.
On WhatsApp, anyone can put a family photo and a family name on a new number.
Even the name that shows on your screen when someone calls can be faked. So a name that looks right is not proof.
What it looks like
A call like this can sound very professional. The caller may know your name, your bank and even part of your account number.
That still does not prove they are from your bank.
Incoming call
Customer Care
0901 2345
The caller says:
“Good afternoon ma, this is your bank. There is a problem with your account.”
“To protect your money, I need to confirm some details with you.”
Hang up and call back
If a call or message worries you, end it. Then contact the person or company yourself, using a number you already know:
- Your bank: the number on the back of your card.
- Family: the number you already have saved for them, not the new one.
- An office: a number from an official letter, or go there in person.
It’s like someone knocking on your door saying they are from the electricity company. You don’t hand them money. You call the office yourself.
A new number that says it is family
“Mummy, this is my new number. My phone fell in water.”
This is a very common start to a scam. Before you do anything, call your family member on their old number.
Or ask a question only the real person would know. If they get angry or say “there is no time”, that is a warning sign.
Remember
- A name or a voice on the phone is not proof of who someone is.
- End the call, then call back on a number you already know.
- If a new number says it is family, call their old number first.
Lesson done. It is ticked on your Learn list.