State pensioners over 70 losing £5,750 in 'traumatic' scam sweeping England - Birmingham Live

Pensioners are prime targets because scammers know they're often polite and less digitally savvy — don't be ashamed if you're targeted, just hang up and ring the organisation back on a number you've verified independently. No genuine government body will ever demand urgent payment over the phone.

Stop and think before you act. If something feels urgent, threatening, or too good to be true — that urgency is the weapon. Scammers use pressure to override your judgement. Nothing is ever so urgent that you can't take five minutes to check, call back on a number you found yourself, or ask someone you trust.