Householders warned over new cold call con

HOUSEHOLDERS across the region are being warned over latest telephone and doorstep scams in the area by Highland council and trading standards.

A new cold call con known as the ‘disconnection scam’ has been unearthed where the caller targets unsuspecting householders falsely representing their telecom provider. Householders are persuaded that their bills are in arrears and immediate payment is necessary to remain connected to the network.

A spokesman from Highland council said: ‘The scammer may offer to demonstrate that they have the ability to disconnect the telephone. This simple trick involves the scammer pressing the mute button which stops the dial tone and prevents the recipient of the call from dialling out. However, the phone is still connected to the scammer, even though it appears that the line is ‘dead’.’ Fraudsters are using this method to dupe bill payers in to thinking they are a genuine company representative.’

A spokesperson from BT advised that they may have to contact a customer about an outstanding debt, but they will never disconnect a phone line during the call.

Rogue traders are also at the forefront of trading standards investigations. Recently, they have been found to sell anything from kitchen knives to paving and driveway construction, but the work is found to be overpriced and often partially or badly done.

Householders feel under pressure to book the workers and are forced to pay cash upfront.

If you are reporting suspect activity it is useful to note down locations, times, registration numbers and any other information.