Warning issued over telephone preference scam

A WARNING has gone out over a new phone call scam.

Thames Valley Police say that the fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from a well-known UK phone provider. They call victims claiming to provide a Telephone Preference Service (TPS) - an enhanced callbarring service, which includes barring international call centres.

Police said that the fraudsters ask victims to give their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.

In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.

On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim’s direct debit cancellation request was refused.

Police said that the TPS is free to sign-up and this can be done at www.tpsonline.org.uk.

Anyone affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www. actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.