Master The Art of Impoliteness

When it comes to fraud, a little impoliteness goes a long way.

Criminals take advantage of our instinct to be polite. They know it can feel uncomfortable to end a conversation, question someone who says they’re from a trusted organisation or simply say “no”.

That’s why Take Five’s Professor of Impoliteness, Craig Revel Horwood, is here to teach you a new set of manners.

If someone unexpectedly asks for your money or personal information, don’t feel obliged to keep the conversation going.

Hang up. Shut the door. Close the email. Simply say “no”.

Any genuine person or organisation won’t mind if you stop the interaction and take your time to check it’s really them.

Ready to master the Art of Impoliteness?

LESSON 1: HANG UP

How to deal with unexpected phone calls

You don’t owe someone your time just because they called. If someone you don’t know unexpectedly asks for money, security details or personal information, hang up. Then contact the organisation directly using details you trust, such as the number on the back of your card or an official website.

Key takeaway: A genuine organisation won’t mind if you end the call and check before acting.

LESSON 2: CLOSE THE EMAIL

How to spot pressure in suspicious emails and messages

The best decision you could make is to take a moment to stop and reflect. If an email, message or advert about an investment opportunity pressures you to act quickly, promises high returns or asks you to click a link, close it and be very cautious. Do your research and independently verify the company using the Financial Conduct Authority’s Firm Checker before you share any personal details or send money.

Key takeaway: Don’t let urgency make the decision for you. Stop, challenge and check using trusted sources.

LESSON 3: SHUT THE DOOR

What to do if someone offers to fix your roof or provide a service at your door

If someone knocks unexpectedly and says your roof, driveway or home needs urgent work, you don’t have to agree to anything on the doorstep. Fraudsters can pose as tradespeople, pressure you into a quick decision or ask for money upfront. Shut the door, take time to check the company or trader is genuine, and speak to someone you trust before making any payment.

Key takeaway: A genuine tradesperson or service provider won’t mind if you say no, get a second opinion or check their details before agreeing to work.

WHY GOOD MANNERS CAN PUT YOU AT RISK

Fraudsters often rely on politeness, pressure and urgency to keep people engaged. These statistics show why giving yourself permission to pause, question and end an interaction matters.

Almost all UK adults (93%) say they were brought up to be polite to people they don’t know.

But criminals can exploit those good manners.

More than half (53%) of UK adults have stayed on an unexpected phone call longer than they wanted to, while almost one in three (32%) worry it could seem rude to end the conversation quickly.

Fraudsters rely on keeping you engaged. The longer an interaction continues, the more opportunity they have to build trust, create urgency and persuade you to hand over money or personal information.

So when it comes to fraud, give yourself permission to be impolite.

Hang up. Shut the door. Close the email. Simply say “no”.

Watch the lessons, then learn how to Stop, Challenge and Protect yourself from fraud.

STOP

You have the right to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE

Hang up, shut the door, close the email or simply say "no". Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT

Contact your bank immediately if you think you've been scammed and tell the Police at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it rude to hang up on a suspicious call?

No. If someone unexpectedly asks for money or personal information, it is okay to hang up and check using contact details you trust.
What should I do if I receive an unexpected call from someone saying they are from my bank?

Stop the conversation, hang up, and contact your bank directly using a trusted number, such as the one on the back of your card.
How can I check whether an investment opportunity is genuine?

Do not act under pressure and avoid clicking unexpected links. Take time to independently research the company and use the Financial Conduct Authority’s Firm Checker, before sharing any money or information.
What should I do if someone visits my home unexpectedly?

You do not have to answer questions, share details or make a payment on the spot. Shut the door and check whether the visit is genuine. Never use contact details the person at your door gives you.
What should you do if someone unexpectedly asks for money or personal information?

Stop before you act. Challenge whether the request could be fake. Protect yourself by contacting your bank immediately if you think you have been scammed, and report fraud to the police at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

Contact your bank immediately and report fraud to the police at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Take Five to Stop Fraud

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.