Council warns watch out for new BT Scam phone calls

15th November 2013

Highland Council Trading Standards are warning consumers that an unsolicited BT telephone scam may be operating again in the area.

Recent reports to the Service have stated that unsuspecting consumers have received a phone call from an individual pretending to be from BT Technical Support Centre or BT Broadband Services. The caller then goes on to ask the consumer if they have noticed if their internet connection has been slow or if they have lost their internet connection for any period of time. The caller may also suggest that if the consumer has experienced either their web browser or some webpages freezing when in use, that their computer may have picked up a virus.

The caller will then ask the consumer to allow them to remotely access the consumers� computer in order to fix or repair the alleged fault there and then. There is usually a fee for this service which can range between �100 to �150, but it some cases may be much higher. The caller then asks the consumer to pay this fee via their personal credit or debit card.

Trading Standards are concerned that vulnerable consumers may be conned by this type of scam and would urge all Highland residents to hang up the phone when they receive this sort of call. The aim of the fraudsters is apparently to gain access to the consumers personal information, such as their credit or debit card details and other information which may be stored on a personal computer and to con the consumer into paying for a service which in most cases in not necessary.

A recent warning from BT has also advised customers to be on their guard against phishing emails which request that the customer update their billing or account information. The aim of the fraudsters is to gain customer personal information that they can go on to commit identity fraud with.

BT advises customers that if they receive a scam BT email that they:

Do not click on any links in the scam email.
Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
Do not supply any information through a website link shown on the scam email.
Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.

BT further advises that if a customer has already divulged personal details in response to a scam BT email, or phone call that they should contact BT Customer Services immediately in order to protect personal and financial information. BT Customers can also receive technical help and support by through www.BT.Com/help which also provides guidance to customers on how to report phishing emails.

For further information or advice about how to tackle scams concerned residents can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08456 04 05 06.

Consumers can also receive news and alerts on all recently reported scams and frauds as well as �live chat advice� from an advisor online from Action Fraud by logging on to: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/home.

Consumers can also contact an advisor from Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Alternatively, if you have fallen victim to a scam or know of someone who has you can visit or write to Highland Council Trading Standards, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF for free and confidential advice. For further Highland Trading Standards news please go to: www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandardsnews