West YorkshireTrading Standards warns of Phone–hacking Scam

Following a recent spell of complaints, West Yorkshire Trading Standards is warning consumers to be extra wary of phone scams from would be computer hackers.

Over recent weeks the service has received a steady stream of complaints involving suspicious calls from overseas phone numbers from an unidentified source.

The scam is initiated by a phone call to an unsuspecting householder. The caller claims to be from an online software or internet provider and that they have identified a problem with the householder’s computer or internet connection.

The scammer then attempts to obtain user’s account details by saying that in order to rectify the fault they will need to performs home software upgrades.

The intention is to gain access to secure information such as bank details that would normally be password protected. In one recent example a gentleman was targeted several times in the same evening, despite telling the caller “they knew what was going on and not to call back”

Trading Standards advice is to be very wary of any unsolicited phone calls of this nature and ignore any requests for confidential information such as passwords or user names. Always report the matter to Trading Standards and inform the caller that you intend to do so.

As well as potentially losing money those who get caught out are often added to a so called‘suckers list’- often resulting in them being targeted in the future.

 Graham Hebblethwaite,Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said,”Although the vast majority of people will see this type of scam for exactly what it is, some may well be panicked into believing their computer has picked up a serious computer virus which needs urgent attention.

The scammers work on the basis that they may have to contact many people to find just one victim, but often when they do their unscrupulous efforts pay off.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, Chair of West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said:“I would urge people to share this information with friends and relatives, particularly vulnerable or older members of the community who may not have heard about this type of scam.It is known that scammers will often target their victims and in this instance take advantage of those who may only have a limited understanding of new technology.”

If you feel that you have fallen victim of a scam you can contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre on 0300 1232040, or alternatively report the matter to Trading Standards by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on0845 404 05 06.

To make a consumer complaint contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.