Consumerline warns of ‘cold-call’ scams

Consumers should never disclose personal details over the telephone, according to advice from Consumerline today.

This comes after a warning from British Telecom (BT) to customers, urging them to be on their guard after a series of telephone scams involving people claiming to represent the company.

During the telephone call, the scammer claims that the customer's latest bill has not been paid and the account is therefore in arrears. They then demand that payment is made immediately over the phone using a credit or debit card, otherwise the telephone line will be disconnected.

If challenged, the caller attempts to demonstrate that he is indeed from BT by apparently disconnecting the phone line for a few minutes. In fact, the scammer simply presses the ‘mute’ button and remains on the line, preventing the customer from making any calls.

The scammer can hear any attempts made to dial out and immediately calls the customer back to ask that payment be made immediately or face disconnection. Customers who have fallen victim to this scam unwittingly provide their credit card details, fearing that their line will be disconnected.

Consumerline Manager Stephen Thompson warns consumers to be on their guard. He said: "Unfortunately scams like this are prevalent and it is often elderly people who have fallen victim by providing credit card details.

"While it has not been confirmed if this scam has affected customers in Northern Ireland, we would like to take this opportunity to remind consumers not to disclose personal financial details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain they know who they are dealing with.

"BT has stated that it does not contact customers demanding payment in this way and would never carry out disconnections during a call."

Consumerline is keen to hear from anyone who has received calls of this nature. Please contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or 028 9025 3900.”

Notes to editors:

1. Consumerline is the telephone and online advice service for Northern Ireland consumers. Telephone advisors provide clear, practical advice on a wide range of consumer issues. If it is appropriate Consumerline will forward details of complaints to the Trading Standards Service for investigation.
2. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.