Scams Aimed at Consumers
If you are a consumer in Cheshire and want
to report a scam, Citizens
Advice Consumer Service . Altertnatively look at our
consumer scams page.
Mobile Phone Scams
The increase in the popularity of mobile phones and text
messaging has resulted in an increase in the number of mobile phone
scams. Here are examples of some of the recent scams.
Ringtones
Have you ever been tempted to
subscribe to a text message service to receive a ringtone,
wallpaper or news alerts? If you decide to subscribe to such a
service you will be sent a number of premium rate text messages and
you are charged for every text message you receive. It can cost you
up to as much as £1.50 per message.
If you want to stop the expensive texts, all you need to do is
unsubscribe. Send the word “STOP” to the short code you used to
subscribe. This will stop the text messages.
Text Messages
You may receive a text message like
this
"You have been selected to receive a fantastic holiday Call 09xx
xxxxxxx now!"
If you receive any text messages from a premium rate number do not
reply to the message because it could be a very expensive
call.
Missed phone call
Someone rings your mobile and
leaves a message with their telephone number. When you return the
call you ring a premium rate number. This is sometimes a mobile
number starting 07 or premium rate number starting 09.
We advise consumers to check the number of the missed call before
returning the call. Premium rate telephone numbers are usually a
lot more expensive than the cost of a local or STD call. Do not
dial a premium rate number until you have checked how much it will
cost. Check out the premium rate number online at Phone Pay Plus and forward
the details to Phone Pay Plus the regulatory body for all premium
rate charged telecommunications services - you can fill out an
online complaint form or telephone 0800 500 212.
Internet
Dial Up
This is a relatively new scam that affects internet users, in
particular people who use a modem and are not a broadband
user. While you are using the internet a pop-up box comes
onto the screen. When you click on the box it disconnects your
internet connection and replaces it with one that dials a premium
rate number or sometimes an international number. Consumers often
do not know they have been scammed until they receive their phone
bill which can be for hundreds of pounds depending on how long you
were on the internet.
If you have been affected by this scam or you notice a premium rate
number on your phone bill relating to internet use you can contact
the premium rate regulator ICSTIS on telephone 0800
500212
To avoid becoming a victim of a dial up or internet scam you may
want to consider the following:
- Consider barring premium rate numbers (contact your service
provider for more advice)
- install antivirus software or firewalls onto your computer
- Check your privacy and security settings on your computer
- Don’t open emails or attachments that you do not recognise
Phishing / Spam emails
Phishing is when you receive a spam email sent by
someone who is pretending to be from your bank, building society or
credit card company. The emails will ask you to verify your
personal details, account number, pin number and passwords.
It will often say this is to prevent fraud or to update bank
records. The emails look genuine and have all the correct
logos. It is easy to be fooled into thinking that the email
has come from your bank. A number of UK major banks have been
affected by “phishing”.
Be warned that if you respond
to the email you may lose money from your bank account or you may
be victim of identity theft!
To find out more about phishing and
how to avoid it visit the banking industry advice
website for safer online banking.
