Keeping Safe: Phone Call Safety

🛡️ Scruffy’s Digital Journy — Phone Call Safety

Hi, I’m Scruffy. Christopher explained that phone calls are like voices knocking at your digital door. At first, I thought every call was safe to answer. But Christopher reminded me: phone call safety means spotting scams, protecting details, and using rituals that keep your vault secure.

🌀 Core Phone Call Safety Steps Report . Protect . Safe

• Do not share personal details: Banks and services will never ask for PINs, passwords, or full account numbers over the phone.

• Spot urgent language: “Act now!” or “Your account will be closed” are red flags.

• Check the caller ID: Scammers often use withheld or unusual numbers.

• Hang up if unsure: You can always call back using the official number on your card or website.

• Avoid pressure tactics: If the caller insists you must act immediately, it’s likely a scam.

• Report suspicious calls: Write down the number and report it to your bank or provider.

• Block the number: Use your phone’s settings to stop repeat calls.

  
  

🔐 Scruffy’s Safety Rituals

• Notebook & Pen: Record suspicious numbers and helpline contacts.

• Predictability: Always call your bank or service back using the official number.

• Boundaries: Never follow instructions to transfer money or install software during a call.

• Awareness: Share suspicious call details with someone you trust.

  
  

🖱️ Scruffy’s Safety Challenge

"Christopher gave me a challenge to practice. You can try it too:"

1. Write down your bank’s official helpline number in your notebook.

2. Practice saying: “I will call back using the official number.”

3. Block one suspicious or unwanted number on your phone.

4. Share one scam call experience with a trusted person.

5. Record the date and time of any suspicious call for awareness.

   
   

✨ Scruffy’s Reflection   At first, I thought answering every call was safe. But Christopher reminded me: scams often hide in voices. For learners, that means you can keep your phone line safe and predictable — all with Scruffy guarding the vault beside you.

📞 How to Report a Suspicious Phone Call (UK)

• If you’ve been scammed or hacked:

  • England & Wales: Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk

    
    

  • Scotland: Call Police Scotland on 101

• If the call pretends to be from your bank or service:

  • Hang up and call the official number from your card or statement

  • Never use the number given in the suspicious call

    
    

• If the call is abusive or threatening:

  • Call 101 to report to the police

  • If you feel in danger, call 999 immediately

• If the call is a scam or spam:

  • Use your phone’s settings to block the number

  • Report the number to your mobile provider

📞 Scruffy’s Banking Safety Reminder

• If you get a suspicious call, text, or email pretending to be from your bank:

  • Hang up immediately

  • Dial 159 — this connects you directly to your bank’s fraud team

  • Never call back on the number given in the suspicious message

Report, Protect, Safe

Report: Tell someone or you trust or report it online - You don’t have to handle it alone.

Protect: Block, delete, or step away. Your boundaries matter.

Safe: You’ve reported, protected yourself, and now Scruffy guards