Halton Borough Council Trading Standards is warning there is a scam circulating regarding BT internet and there have been victims within the Borough.
The scam works like this:
1. You receive a call from someone claiming to be from BT (they are not).
2. BT just happen to be your genuine internet provider and by coincidence, your internet connection is not working particularly well.
3. The caller says they can help; they ask you to download an App from Google Play store or the Apple store.
4. This App allows the scammer to have access to your device (tablet/iPad).
5. The scammer steals your personal data from your tablet/iPad.
6. The scammer claims to have fixed your internet connection.
7. The scammer wants paying (for fixing your internet connection) by online bank transfer, they then watch you (via the app) enter all your login details and passwords for your online bank account.
8. The scammer then subsequently steals your money.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Do not get drawn into this scam, simply hang up the phone!”
“If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.”
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133