Phone scam warning (From Northwich Guardian)

Phone scam warning

2:33pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

TRADING Standards officers are warning residents about a phone scam.

In the scam, cold callers claim householders are eligible for discounts on their telephone, gas and electricity bills.

For the discount to be activated, the bogus caller asks for debit card details.

Clr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “This is a calculated and heartless scam to obtain financial information which the fraudsters could then use to take money from your bank account.

“Anyone who receives an unsolicited call from someone claiming they can save you money on your utility bills should not give out their credit or debit card details over the phone.”

Cheshire West and Chesrter Council’s Trading Standards officers urge residents to be wary of cold callers and never give out personal information such as name, address or bank or card details.

Officers also advise people to confirm what they are saying on the phone in writing or terminate the call.

Anyone receiving such calls should report them to Citizen's Advice consumer service line 08454 04 05 06.