If you receive a call from your bank, utility company, HMRC or any other organisation asking you to ‘confirm’ any personal details or transfer money, hang up immediately and call the organisation directly after looking up their number online. Genuine organisations won’t mind waiting while you phone them back.
Ideally, call back on another phone, as scammers can keep the line open even if you hang up. If you can’t use another phone, wait at least 10 minutes before redialling.
Don’t assume you’re immune to phishing texts or emails just because you’re generally tech-savvy. Be particularly alert to any messages saying there’s a problem with one of your accounts or payment details.
If you do fall victim to an APP scam, document everything. Write down everything you remember about the scam as soon as possible, and take notes during every conversation you have with your bank. Make audio recordings if you can. If you’re refused a refund and decide to make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman, this evidence could be crucial in helping your case.
Talk about it. Being scammed is profoundly traumatic, and shutting yourself off from your loved ones will only make you feel worse. Also, scammers thrive in secrecy and shame – the more we talk about the problem, the more others will know what to watch out for.

For more advice on how to avoid being scammed, visit takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

“I was scammed out of my life savings. Here’s what I want you to know”