KCOM warns people of new scam caller tactic

Customers have reported a number of unsolicited scam calls in recent days, with fraudsters claiming to be from companies offering products that block scam calls.

The scammer asks for a one-off fee for a service that they claim will ensure the customer gets no more scam calls. Once the customer hands over their address and bank details, the scammer then takes the money and disappears.

The new call blocking scam follows warnings in 2017 that fraudsters were cold calling customers pretending to be from KCOM or BT, saying their service will be disconnected if they do not make a payment. They scammers then try to persuade customers to give their credit or debit card details over the phone.

Another tactic used by the scammers is to ask the customer for remote access to their Wi-Fi router to solve a non-existent problem.

Cathy Phillips, KCOM’s chief marketing officer, urged KCOM customers to be extra vigilant when receiving unexpected calls and to be alert for fraudsters when online.

She said: “We have recently seen a spate of scam callers attempting to get local residents to reveal their personal banking details.

“The best way for people to protect themselves is to treat any requests for bank details or indeed any personal information, with extreme caution. We never ask for customers’ credit or debit card details over the phone and will always transfer customers who wish to make a payment over to our secure, automated payment line. If you are ever suspicious about a call, we recommend you hang up immediately.”

"Unfortunately, scams of this kind are on the rise. While those customers we’ve spoken to have realised something's not quite right and ended the call – and have avoided losing money as a result, these callers can be very convincing so we want to warn people to be extra vigilant.

Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to fraudsters, many of whom are using increasingly sophisticated techniques and technology to con their victims.

Cathy Phillips, added: “There has also been an increase in email fraud across the UK, some of which are sent from experienced criminals. To protect against online fraud, we advise customers to install high-quality, up to date anti-virus and security on their internet devices, to avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources and to make sure when shopping online that they’re on a legitimate and secure website. “

If you receive a potential scam call or suspicious email, please report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

There are currently a number of legitimate call blocking products and services available for people who do want to block unsolicited calls.

KCOM offers its own service, called trueCall Call Blocker, which is one of a variety of products on the market. For more details visit here or call 01482 602555.