A phone call from your 'bank' is a classic scam. But what if you turn it into a game of endurance? One Guardian reader did just that: he wasted hours of the scammers' time by pretending to be a victim, ultimately foiling their plan. Let's break down how he did it and what lessons we can take away.
What happened
On a Sunday just past 11 am, the man received an automated call purportedly from Barclays Bank, asking about a payment to Argos. He immediately suspected a scam: he hadn't made such a purchase. Instead of hanging up, he decided to play along.
He pressed the required button, waited for the 'bank employee', and started the dialogue. The scammer asked him to provide his card details and PIN. The reader pretended to follow instructions but deliberately stalled: he asked clarifying questions, paused, and 'accidentally' got confused. In this way, he kept the fraudster on the line for several hours.
What this means in practice
This story is not just an amusing anecdote. It shows how scammers operate and how you can protect yourself.
- Never share your PIN or full card details over the phone. A real bank will never ask for them to verify your identity.
- Check the number you're called from. If in doubt, call your bank back using the official number from their website.
- Don't give in to pressure. Scammers rush you so you don't have time to think. Take a pause.
How to waste their time safely
If you're sure you're talking to a scammer, you can 'play along' as the reader did. The key is not to reveal any real information. Ask clarifying questions, pretend you can't hear well, or just chat about nothing. The longer you keep them on the line, the less time they have for other victims.
But remember: the best approach is to simply hang up and block the number. Don't waste your time on those who want to steal your money.
Conclusion
The Guardian reader's story is a great example of how to fight back against scammers without confrontation. The key is to stay calm and remember basic safety rules. And if you're ever in doubt, end the call and contact your bank directly.
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