Cold calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the Home Office

Cases of Number Spoofing to Threaten and Extract Money Increase

Fraudsters use different techniques to make the victim believe they are a legitimate business. The victims sometimes get a telephone call from the Home office number, which appears to be coming from the precise number, but it is spoofed using a software program, only to display the number the victim expects to see.

The caller tells the client that there is a problem with their immigration certificates that need rectifications. If they do not change the status immediately, it can lead to legal complications. 

They also claim they can rectify the problem once they are paid upfront charges for the changes in the legal documents. The client gets messages asking them to send personal details and information like the country's passport number and arrival date. 

If the victim gets doubtful and asks questions, they claim they are calling from a legitimate number and are authorised to handle such issues. 

The victims get messages stating there are criminal charges against them in their home country. Therefore, they need to get clearance for the legal issues. Or they are told their official documents are incomplete and require changes due to changed rules in the country. 

The victim is threatened they will be deported back to their home country, or they may have to face arrest and to avoid it, they need to pay some penalty – an upfront fee. 

Once the victim agrees to pay the money, they are asked to choose the mode of payment, and the modes may include bitcoins, money transfers, a money service bureau, or purchasing vouchers. 

The target is kept on the phone until the money is transferred from their account to the fraudsters' account. 

How To Protect Yourself?

• To avoid such scams, one should stay alert and know the law enforcement agency will never ask for a fund transfer on the phone call. 

• They may not ask for passport details or other personal information over unsolicited calls. 

• If you get any such request, ask for the details and know whom you are talking to. In addition, you should submit any form of request regarding the changes in personal details involving fund transfer to the authenticated organisation or person instead of paying it on the phone. 

• If you get any such calls from the immigration department, talk to someone in your locality about the specific immigration issue before making any payment.