Latest Mobile Phone Scams

Here's a few quick links to take you to some of the latest phone scams we've been made aware of:

1. 'Matching' Mobile Numbers
2. Upgrade Scam

Scam calls from “matching” mobile phone numbers

Latest update from National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) warning the public to be vigilant of scam calls that appear to match the victims’ own number. The call itself impersonates well-known government bodies or laws enforcement agencies and asks the recipient of the call to ‘press 1’ to speak to and agent regarding unpaid fines or police warrants.

We know life can be busy and when you receive a call like the above you, or someone you love could panic and press the button as directed. Try to remember to take your time and think before parting with money or personal information.

• Be wary of calls coming from numbers you don’t know. 
• If you receive a call similar to the above do not press any buttons as directed by the call, end call immediately if you find it suspicious. 
• Make a note of the time, number and context of the call and report any suspicious telephone/mobile calls to the Action Fraud 
• If the call has claims it is from HRMC then you can also report these here

Received a text or email?

If you receive a suspicious text or email, remember to:

• Check that you recognise the number or recipient of the email.
• Double check spellings and the domain name and the subject line of any emails received.
• Are you expecting a call, text or email, from where or who they claim to be from?
• Check any links before clicking on them and if you think this is suspicious do not click on any links and do not reply. 
• Report any suspicious texts by forwarding the message to 7726 - it’s free of charge! You can report any suspicious emails or texts to Action Fraud

Every reported phone call, text or email can help protect others from falling victim to scams.
For more information about how to protect yourself online, you can visit ncsc.gov.uk

Mobile Phone Upgrade Scam

Posted on: 8th June 2021

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) are aware of a scam where members of the public are cold called by individuals impersonating employees from legitimate mobile networks.

What happens during this call?

The cold caller offers an early upgrade or a new contract at significant discounts. Believing the deals are legitimate, the spam caller then gathers personal information which can include, emails, address and even bank details!
Using the victim’s personal details, an order will be placed with a legitimate phone provider, who will then receive the wrong handset, upon receiving this, the spam caller will then re-assure the customer that an error has been made, and to ‘return’ this to a different address, usually residential and not affiliated to the mobile company. Once the phone has been ‘returned’, contact ceases and victims find themselves stuck with no phone and liable for the entirety of a new contract taken out in their name.

What do you need to do?

• If you're unsure of the person claiming to be a representative of the company, hang up and do not disclose any personal information.
• If you receive a device that you did not order or are expecting then contact the genuine sender immediately, you normally find these details within the parcel.
• Never post a device to a given address, all genuine mobile network providers would send out a jiffy bag for you to return your device.
• Only contact your network provider on a number you know to be correct: 

Vodafone - 191
EE - 150
Three - 333
O2 - 202
Tesco Mobile - 4455
Virgin Mobile -789
Sky Mobile – 150

For more information about how to protect yourself online, you can visit ncsc.gov.uk & takefive-stopfraud.org.uk