Be Scam Aware - potential telephone scam

Central

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers and small businesses of a potential telephone scam regarding the blocking of telesales calls.

We have had a report from a consumer who has received a telephone call whereby the caller claims the consumer has recently agreed to a service that blocks telesales calls to their number and the caller was calling to confirm payment / bank details. The consumer had not agreed to any such service. The caller was using a 'with-held' telephone number and therefore could not be traced.

Based on the information provided we believe that this call is a scam and we would advise anyone to act with extreme caution when receiving such calls.

Our advice to consumers and small businesses is that you should never give your personal or bank account details to anybody over the telephone unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions. Never be intimidated into making a decision to provide such details and led to think you have already entered an agreement. Always take a moment to ask yourself whether the call is genuine and request proof of such an agreement if you are unsure - a legitimate business will always be happy to meet such a request.

If, at any point, you are unsure as to whether the caller is genuine, do not be afraid to hang up the telephone. And remember, if you do show any interest or provide your details, you may be identified as a possible target for a future scam attempt.

If you have any information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities can be notified.

In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Kind regards

Trading Standards

(Community Safety and Public Protection)

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Central Bedfordshire Council Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ

Telephone: 0300 300 8136 Email: trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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