National Insurance scam alert

An urgent warning has been issued to every single person with a National Insurance number in the UK after a surge in calls were reported trying to falsely steal information.

It is concerning for millions, as everyone in the UK is sent a National Insurance number before their sixteenth birthday - this helps with applying for jobs, and identifies you with HMRC and the DWP.

More than 1,000 complaints have been made to Action Fraud, with victims reporting they have received an automated telephone call, during which they are told their "National Insurance number has been compromised".

They are then instructed to "press 1 on their handset to be connected to the caller" in order to supposedly fix the issue and get a new National Insurance number.

Once connected to the "caller", victims are pressured into handing over personal details - which scammers claim is to enable them to receive a new National Insurance number.

However, giving the criminals your personal details will enable them to commit fraud using your credentials and information.

• "If you have any doubts about what is being asked of you, hang up the phone.
• "No legitimate organisation will rush or pressure you"

How to protect yourself from fraudsters

If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, remember to

• STOP – take a moment and think before parting with your personal information or money
• CHALLENGE – could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse of ignore and requests for personal of financial details
• PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

Remember to check out our Beat the Scammers information videos - they are a great way to become Scam Aware

You can also access the Friends Against Scams online training video provided by Durham County Council