Don't fall for telephone scam says Trading Standards

24th July 2009

Residents are being warned to beware of scammers posing as employees from the television company SKY.

Monmouthshire County Council's Trading Standards team have received information from a number of Monmouthshire residents regarding a telephone scam.

At an ‘Action 50' meeting recently several members of the public revealed that they had experienced what they thought maybe a scam. They had received unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to be calling from SKY. The callers said that they urgently needed to update their accounts or they would be cut off. They then proceeded to ask for debit/credit card details in order to make a payment.

Sue Hollin, Consumer Advice and Education Officer for Monmouthshire County Council's Trading Standards advise members of the public:

• If you have doubts about a caller - hang up

• Never give out private financial information

• Talk to neighbours and friends to see if they have had similar experiences

• If you are unsure of a caller contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Councillor Eric Saxon said:

"Scammers are skilful in their approach and can appear to be a legitimate business.

"They are generally pleasant and well spoken, persistent and persuasive and try to rush you into making a decision. If you are ever unsure of a caller don't be afraid to say no!"