Britons are being encouraged to abandon their customary politeness when answering phone calls from strangers, as an anti-fraud initiative warns that scammers are exploiting this ingrained courtesy. A survey revealed that 53 percent of adults in the UK admit to staying on unwanted calls longer than they wish, primarily due to concerns about appearing rude. This contrasts with 43 percent of Americans who reported a similar issue, suggesting a cultural difference in handling such interactions.
Nearly a third of Britons surveyed indicated that discomfort about seeming impolite makes them hesitant to end conversations quickly. The national campaign 'Take Five To Stop Fraud' highlights that fraudsters leverage this politeness to build trust and exert pressure on potential victims.
Craig Revel Horwood, a judge on the television show 'Strictly Come Dancing,' has endorsed the campaign, urging the public to adopt a less courteous approach in fraud-prevention scenarios. He stated, "When it comes to fraud, being a bit rude is exactly the right thing to do." He further advised that if an unsolicited caller requests money or personal information, individuals should not feel obligated to continue the conversation. "It's perfectly acceptable to stop, take your time and check they're really who they say they are. You don't owe anyone your time just because they asked for it," he added.
Jess Cook, representing Take Five To Stop Fraud, explained that criminals are aware of the discomfort associated with abruptly ending a conversation and actively exploit this instinct. The campaign aims to empower individuals by "giving people permission to put protection before politeness."
The survey of 2,000 adults also found that nine in ten participants were raised with the principle of being polite to strangers. Furthermore, 26 percent found it uncomfortable to question the credibility of callers claiming to represent public organizations or essential service providers. Last year, criminals posing as company officials or service providers defrauded individuals of over £92.4 million through impersonation scams.
Take Five To Stop Fraud cautioned that fraudsters employ various methods, including unexpected phone calls, doorstep interactions, emails, and messages, to establish trust, create a sense of urgency, and pressure individuals into divulging personal details or sending money. Cook reiterated the advice: "If someone unexpectedly asks for your money or personal information, stop the interaction. Hang up, shut the door, or simply say no. Then verify independently using contact details you trust. Any genuine organisation won't mind you taking the time to check it's really them."