A Halton resident has been the subject of a potential telephone scam involving a cold call from someone claiming to be from British Telecom. The caller advised they (BT) were going to disconnect her land line and internet connectivity.
The resident was told to hold on the line for five minutes. During that time she asked the caller for a contact telephone number – which she later found out was an unobtainable one. The resident thinks she may have been the subject of a premium telephone scam.
Halton Borough Council Trading Standards Officers would strongly advise residents who receive calls of this nature to simply advise the caller they will end the call and will contact the company direct to discuss the matter.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Always make sure you telephone the company using a telephone number that you know is credible, i.e. one you have used before or have taken from a bill or an invoice. Never give your personal or financial details out to cold callers over the telephone. ”
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 03454 04 05 06