News / Latest phone scam warning
TRADING standards in Shetland are warning people to be cautious if they receive unexpected phone calls purporting to be from BT or Talk Talk.
David Marsh of Shetland Islands Council’s trading standards service said people in Shetland had been receiving calls from people saying they are from one of the telecoms companies.
The individuals claim that “your payment details have expired, that there are issues with your broadband, that your computer is being hacked, or that they can help you to lower your bill – but these callers are not who they say they are”.
“Sometimes callers will ask you to follow their instructions to allow them access to your computer,” he said.
“On occasion you may have to give your broadband or telephone provider access to your computer, but this would only happen if you had contacted the company about a fault.”
Marsh advised: “Do not give out your bank details to anyone who cold calls you, and don’t give them access to your computer. Don’t hesitate to just put the phone down on them – remember, they are not who they say they are.”
- Such scams can be reported by using the online tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk, by phoning 0300 123 2040 or by contacting the SIC’s trading standards team.
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