Be Scam Aware - Sky TV Warranties

Central

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers to be cautious when receiving a telephone call regarding Sky TV warranties.

A concerned consumer has contacted Trading Standards after receiving a telephone call, where the caller claimed to be representing "Sky Warranty". The caller was using a with-held telephone number and proceeded to inform the consumer that they had qualified for a reduction in their package payments. The consumer, not sure if they had a warranty or not, asked the caller further questions, it was then that the caller ended the call by hanging up. The consumer then contacted Sky directly and was informed it was not them that made the call and also confirmed that the consumer does not currently have a warranty.

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

Our advice to consumers is to never give your bank account details to anybody over the telephone unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions. Never be rushed into making a quick decision and always take a moment to ask yourself whether the offer sounds genuine. Also, take time to carry out checks to make sure the claims being made can be verified. If a caller claims to be representing another business, contact that business directly.

Remember, if you show any interest in an offer being made, you may be identified as a possible target for a future scam attempt. If, at any point, you are unsure as to whether the caller is genuine, do not be afraid to hang up the telephone.

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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