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Stop The Scammers!

08 Direct have weighed in and are ready to put on their fighting gloves. Learn how to beat the bad guy with these tips on recognising telecom scams.

The telecom’s industry has received some bad press over the past few years, instilling fear into the consumer at the mention of the word telecommunications. Telecom’s scams have reduced customer confidence and threatened the image of genuine telecom’s suppliers.

Ofcom, the industry regulator, has estimated that more than 500,000 households are miss-sold products or services each year.

At 08 Direct we pride ourselves on our customer service and satisfaction, so we have detailed some well-known telecom’s scams for you to be aware of:

You are the lucky winner of a cash prize!
Automated calls claiming that you have been selected for or won a cash prize are a way for the scammers to keep you on hold. The scam works by asking you to part with personal information confirming your identity to in turn release your cash prize. Disconnect immediately, the chance that you have actually won anything is slim to zero.

Press ## on your keypad:
Many scams are only effective by the use of the phone keypad. By pressing a number or icon when requested, a call can be reconnected to a premium rate line or important information stolen from your sim card. Never follow automated instructions if you did not initiate the call.

Could you confirm your bank details:
Some scammers have jumped on the texting band wagon. If you receive a text asking you to call the detailed number, always check the number against the apparent source. For example, fraudsters have been known to use text messages to portray a bank or building society service. When you return the call you will be asked to part with your account details for verification. Do not provide any personal details unless you have confirmation of the identity of the phone line. 
 

Charitable Donation
It may sound far-fetched but some scammers play on the good heartedness of people by pretending to be a charity. If you receive a cold call asking for a charity donation, no matter how genuine the person may seem, it is always best to go directly to the charitable organisation. Do not give a charity donation over the phone if you did not initiate the phone call.

Cramming:
“Cramming” is the term used for additional services applied to your phone bill that were not agreed by you.

Slamming:
“Slamming” is the changing of your telephone service carrier without your permission.

Call Forwarding:
This scam also uses your phone keypad as a way of forwarding a call. You may be asked to enter a code or dial another number for additional services or a cash prize! The forwarded call will be to a high premium rate number but that’s not where it ends, as the scammers probably can use this to gain access to your billed phone number.

Some Rules

If you are worried about being scammed follow some of the simple steps listed below:
 

  • Never give bank details to anyone but your designated bank.
  • Cash prizes may sound exciting but they are more than likely a scam.
  • Aways ask a caller to identify themselves.
  • Do not give personal information over the phone unless an identifiable source.
  • Check your phone bills thoroughly and report any usage that is not yours.
  • Be aware of what you are paying for, if you are paying for a service that you do not recall agreeing to, call your provider and detail your concern.

     
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