North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards team are warning people to watch out for cold calls received over their landlines.
It comes after reports both nationally and locally of consumers receiving calls from someone claiming to be from Sky.
They will tell you that they have noticed issues with your broadband router and say you are entitled to a considerable refund. The call will be very convincing and you may even hear other similar calls going on in the background.
The scammer will most likely tell you details such as the name of the account holder to convince you they are genuine. They will then offer to refund the money direct to your account and ask for your debit card details.
Our Trading Standards officers are aware of a recent call locally where, once the details were provided, the scammers started taking money immediately from their account whilst still on the telephone.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “You should know that Sky, nor any other legitimate business, will ever ask for such details over the phone. You should never give out your bank, credit card details or PIN number in any circumstances. If you receive a suspicious call, end it immediately and report it to Action Fraud. If you have been caught out, immediately cancel any payments with your bank.”
The quickest way to report such a scam to Action Fraud is online at reporting.actionfraud.police.uk. You can also report the scam by phone to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
You can also report via Citizens Advice either online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/ or by telephone 0800 144 8848.
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