Scam alert: Beware of bogus callers
Fraudsters are currently phoning consumers claiming to be from BT or Ofcom.
They claim that the consumer’s telephone line needs digital upgrade work. This, they say, will cost £6 and if it isn’t paid within 10 days the consumer’s phone line will be cut off.
In some cases, the fraudster will claim that the line needs testing and they will temporarily disconnect it. When the consumer tries to make an outgoing call they are unable to do so. This is simply because the fraudster is still on the line meaning no outbound calls can be made.
This is a scam. Ofcom and BT have alerted the relevant authorities for investigation.
What to do if fraudsters call
If you receive such a call and you suspect that it is fraudulent:
- Do not give out any personal or bank details
- Call your service provider’s nuisance call bureau to see if the call can be traced
- If it can, pass on details to Ofcom or Consumer Direct (contact details at the end of the article)
What to do if you have given out personal details
If you have already received a call and given out your bank details you should:
- call your bank immediately to let them know about the scam and to cancel your credit card or change your bank details
- ask your bank to try and trace the payment
- and if you get any details, let Ofcom or Consumer Direct know
To contact Ofcom’s Advisory Team call 0300 123 3333.
To contact Consumer Direct call 08454 04 05 06.
