Most of us are brought up to be polite. We say sorry when someone bumps into us. We answer questions even when they feel a little too personal. We try not to keep people waiting. But fraudsters know this – and they rely on it.
That is why, when it comes to fraud, Take Five to Stop Fraud is encouraging everyone to practice The Art of Impoliteness. Because when someone is asking for your money or personal information, being “rude” might be the safest thing you can do.
Why scammers count on politeness
Criminals are experts at pretending to be people and organisations we trust. They may pose as your bank, the police, a delivery company, a retailer, a friend, an employer or even a romantic partner. Their tactics can be convincing: urgent phone calls, official-looking emails, fake websites, social media messages, or stories designed to make you panic, feel guilty or act quickly.
In those moments, good manners can work against us. We may worry about offending someone, delaying a payment, missing out on a bargain, or refusing help from someone who sounds official. But genuine organisations will not pressure you into making a rushed decision, sharing security details or moving money without giving you time to check.
Impoliteness is a fraud-fighting skill
The Art of Impoliteness is not about being unkind. It is about giving yourself permission to take control of the situation. If a message, call or request feels unexpected, urgent or unusual, you do not have to continue the conversation. You can stop. You can challenge. You can protect yourself.
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.
What does The Art of Impoliteness look like?
It could be hanging up on a caller who says your account is at risk. It could be ignoring a message about a missed delivery until you can check it through the company’s official website. It could be refusing to click a link, ending a conversation, or telling someone you will call them back using a number you know is genuine.
It may feel awkward at first, but that pause matters. Fraudsters want you to react before you think. The more comfortable you are with saying no, slowing things down or walking away, the harder it becomes for them to succeed.
5 ways to say no to scammers according to the School of Impoliteness
If a scammer comes calling, consider this your finishing school in fraud-fighting discourtesy. Stand tall, straighten your metaphorical gloves, and try one of these perfectly improper replies:
- “I am disinclined to continue this conversation.”
- “How terribly forward. I shall not be sharing my details today.”
- “My good sir/madam, urgency is most unbecoming. I shall hang up.”
- “I do not move money on command. How very improper.”
- “I will not be rushed, rattled or relieved of my money.”
Remember: only criminals will rush or panic you
Scams can happen to anyone. They are designed to catch people off guard, especially when life is busy or the request feels urgent. But taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could help keep you safe.
So next time someone pressures you to act quickly, remember The Art of Impoliteness. Take your time. Check it is real. And if something does not feel right, reject, refuse or ignore the request.
Stop. Challenge. Protect.