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18/06/2007
Mobile phone users warned of scams
Mobile phone users are being warned to be on their guard against a recent spate of mobile phone scams.
The warning comes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, following an increasing number of complaints against cold call salesmen, claiming to be from mobile network providers. These salesmen attempt to entice customers to switch networks, extend contracts, sell mobile phone upgrades and offer cost discounts.
Damien Doherty, from the Trading Standards Service, explained the scam. He said: “The customer receives a cold call to their mobile phone from a salesman claiming to be representing their current service provider.
“The customer is led to believe that their existing mobile phone contract is nearing its end and is offered another contract for 12 or 18 months. Further enticements are offered such as handset upgrades and call cost discounts. If a customer agrees to a new contract, they are asked to provide their bank account details and their bank account is then open to fraud.
“Many customers affected have contacted their mobile phone companies to check that these cold callers are genuine. The companies claim that such salespeople have absolutely no connection with them.”
Mr Doherty went on to advise customers never to give their bank or credit card details over the phone.
“If the call is legitimate, the company should have your bank account details already and if not, be willing for you to call them back when you are ready to switch your contract or handset,” he stressed.
“In addition, if the caller is genuine, a customer would always be provided with a copy of their cancellation rights.”
He concluded: “If you are concerned about or seek information about unwanted calls, please contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.”
(JM/KMcA)
The warning comes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, following an increasing number of complaints against cold call salesmen, claiming to be from mobile network providers. These salesmen attempt to entice customers to switch networks, extend contracts, sell mobile phone upgrades and offer cost discounts.
Damien Doherty, from the Trading Standards Service, explained the scam. He said: “The customer receives a cold call to their mobile phone from a salesman claiming to be representing their current service provider.
“The customer is led to believe that their existing mobile phone contract is nearing its end and is offered another contract for 12 or 18 months. Further enticements are offered such as handset upgrades and call cost discounts. If a customer agrees to a new contract, they are asked to provide their bank account details and their bank account is then open to fraud.
“Many customers affected have contacted their mobile phone companies to check that these cold callers are genuine. The companies claim that such salespeople have absolutely no connection with them.”
Mr Doherty went on to advise customers never to give their bank or credit card details over the phone.
“If the call is legitimate, the company should have your bank account details already and if not, be willing for you to call them back when you are ready to switch your contract or handset,” he stressed.
“In addition, if the caller is genuine, a customer would always be provided with a copy of their cancellation rights.”
He concluded: “If you are concerned about or seek information about unwanted calls, please contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.”
(JM/KMcA)
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