--- title: "Debt scam calls: how to tell real from fake | CrisisCompass Blog | CrisisCompass" source_url: "https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/scam-calls-debt-protection" retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)" level_of_detail: "standard" token_payload_reduction: "92.6%" raw_html_bytes: 103550 compiled_body_bytes: 7632 entities_extracted: 5 currency_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_currency_tokens: 23 link_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_content_links: 14 omitted_dynamic_states: ["non_default_tab_panels", "volume_slider_tiers"] conversion_notes: "Origin renders alternate tabs and volume pricing sliders via client-side JavaScript; serving default static AST state." rfc_compliance: "RFC 9110" last_verified_at: "2026-10-25T08:52:45.667Z" cache_age_seconds: 0 origin_cache_control: "public, max-age=0, must-revalidate" --- > **Canonical Source:** [https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/scam-calls-debt-protection](https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/scam-calls-debt-protection) > > *Scammers often pretend to be debt collectors, HMRC, or banks. Here's how to verify who's really calling you.* ### Organization: CrisisCompass | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Organization** | CrisisCompass | | **Official Website** | https://crisiscompass.co.uk | | **Overview** | Independent UK crisis management, financial support guidance, and emergency contingency portal. | ### Entity: CrisisCompass | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebSite | | **Name** | CrisisCompass | ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q: Is CrisisCompass free?** > A: Yes. All core tools — Survival Check, Benefits Finder, Hardship Letter Generator, Budget Calculator, Debt Priority Checker, and AI Chat — are completely free. Optional premium PDF documents start from £2.99. **Q: Is CrisisCompass financial advice?** > A: No. CrisisCompass provides general information and tools. For personalised financial advice, we recommend contacting StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). **Q: Is my data safe?** > A: We store data locally in your browser wherever possible. The Financial Survival Check results are never saved to our servers. See our Privacy Policy for full details. Your Rights # Debt scam calls: how to tell real from fake 27 January 2027 · 2 min read Share: People in debt are prime targets for scammers who pretend to be creditors, HMRC, or debt collectors. Here's how to protect yourself. ## Red flags — it's probably a scam - They demand \*\*immediate payment\*\* by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer - They threaten \*\*immediate arrest\*\* (creditors can't do this) - They call from an \*\*unknown or withheld number\*\* and won't verify their identity - They ask for your \*\*full bank details\*\*, password, or PIN - They pressure you to \*\*stay on the line\*\* and not hang up - They say they're from HMRC and offer a \*\*tax refund\*\* (HMRC doesn't call about refunds) ## How to verify a real call ### Step 1: Don't share details immediately Say: "I'd like to verify this call before sharing any information." ### Step 2: Ask for reference details A legitimate creditor will give you an account reference number. ### Step 3: Hang up and call back Find the company's official number from their website (not the number they called from). Call them directly to verify. ### Step 4: Wait 5 minutes Scammers sometimes keep the line open. Wait 5 minutes before calling, or use a different phone. ## Common scam types ### Fake HMRC calls "You owe tax. Pay immediately or face arrest." HMRC never demands immediate payment by phone. They send letters first. ### Fake debt collectors "We're collecting a debt of £X. Pay now over the phone." Ask for written proof of the debt first. ### Fake bank calls "There's suspicious activity on your account. We need your security details." Banks never ask for your full password or PIN. ## If you've been scammed - Contact your bank immediately to stop any payments - Report to \*\*Action Fraud\*\*: 0300 123 2040 - Report to the \*\*FCA\*\*: fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam ## Protect yourself - Register with the \*\*Telephone Preference Service\*\* (free): tpsonline.org.uk - Use call blocking features on your phone - Never give personal details to an incoming caller ## Free tools mentioned in this article [Financial Survival Check](/check)[Hardship Letter Generator](/tools/letters)[Benefits Finder](/benefits)[Budget Calculator](/tools/budget) 🏢 UK Limited Company Director Triage • Finance Act 2009 s.108 & ERA 1996 s.166PAYE • VAT • Corporation Tax • Bounce Back Loans ## Running a Limited Company with HMRC Arrears or Business Debt? 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Subscribe ## Related articles - **[The 12-month financial recovery plan: month by month](/blog/one-year-financial-recovery-plan)** — Recovery - **[From £22,000 in debt to debt-free: how real people recovered](/blog/debt-story-recovery-possible)** — Recovery [Take the Survival Check](/check)[Compare Debt Solutions](/compare)[Explore Free Tools](/tools) Some links on this page may be affiliate links. We only recommend services we genuinely trust. Using these links helps fund CrisisCompass at no extra cost to you. 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