Every year countless people are targeted by phone scammers and criminal organisations. Sadly this is a growing problem across all sectors. Financial Fraud Action UK estimates that as many as 58% of people have received suspect calls about their banking details. 

Unfortunately telecommunications companies are not immune. With scams of all kinds on the rise, it is so important for us all to remain aware and alert, especially when asked for personal banking details or to remote access your computer. If you get a strange communication it could be criminal phone scammers, as well as other fraud such as phishing emails.  If you are in any doubt about the legitimacy of a caller, please hang up immediately.

Remember telecommunication companies and banks will:
  • NEVER call customers and use an account number to identify you or prove that the call is genuine 
  • NEVER call you and ask you to provide bank details unless they have had specific permission from you to do so (for example, so you can pay your bill.)
  • NEVER call you and ask you to download software onto your PC unless you have previously contacted them, discussed and agreed a call back for this to take place.
  • NEVER send you emails asking you to provide your full password. They'll only ever ask for two digits from it to protect your security.

Advice on avoiding scams:
  • Bank details: if you have received a call and been asked for your bank details, this is likely to be a scam. If you are ever unsure, hang up and call the company back on their official number. If your broadband or telephone company ever ring you they will never ask you to give your bank account details, unless they have your specific permission. If you need to supply account details to them in order to set up or change up a direct debit instruction, you initiate this process via your internet account or you call your provider with the number displayed on your bill.
  • When calling companies: ensure you get the number from a trusted source - such as the official website or your latest bill or statement. If you get a call that feels suspicious, hang up and call back on the official number. You should always ensure the fraudster has hung up before you dial as sometimes they keep the line open to try to trick you. If you are in any doubt you should phone a friend or a trusted number first to make sure it goes through correctly.
  • Premium rate numbers: any messages asking you to make expensive phone calls – premium rate numbers start with 090 – especially when it comes to ‘prizes’ or ‘offers’, are most likely a scam.
  • Persuasive sellers: anyone that’s rushing you into a service or product and wants to take your bank details could quite easily be scamming you. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured or bullied.
  • Scam technical support: more scammers are calling people trying to gain remote access to their computer so they can gain access to personal information. You shouldn't be asked to pay for viruses to be cleared from your computer or to fix any issues over the phone. If you are, don’t give them any details and hang up. Unless they have your explicit permission in advance to do so, they will never call you and ask you to download software onto your PC or take over your computer in order to fix a problem. Never 'check your account balance' while a third party has remote access to your computer.
  • Scam website: scammers may direct you to a website that looks like it could be an official site. Make sure you are definitely on the right website and not on a scammer site. Scam websites will often have poor quality of logos and general design. If you are in any doubt then leave the website.
  • Refunds: Scammers may try and get personal information by telling you that you are due a refund. The PPI scam calls are a perfect example of the refund scam. If you are due a refund, then the company that owes you ought to have your information available and wouldn't ask for banking or personal details. If in doubt you should hang up and call the company yourself.   
  • Website to help in your security : There are many websites on the subject of fraud & scams. 
    ​Below are two links to information you may find helpful.​