Phone [problem]mers 'net £23.9m in a year'

[Michael Browne]

The amount of money lost to phone [problem]mers has tripled in a year, prompting a major awareness campaign.

 

An estimated £23.9m has been tricked out of unsuspecting victims in the last year, up from £7m the previous year, according to Financial Fraud Action.

 

The main trick involves a con artist deceiving victims into believing they are calling from the police, a bank or a computer company.

 

They suggest that the individual has been the victim of fraud and ask for personal financial information - such as card details or a Pin code - to access their account.

 

Some ask victims to transfer money, to withdraw cash from a branch, or to hand over a bank card to a courier.

 

Advice to consumers includes:

 

• Being wary of cold calling, especially if the caller suggests you call back
  
• Banks and the police never ask for personal banking details, or request that individuals withdraw or transfer money
  
• If suspicious of a call, hang up, wait five minutes or preferably use a different phone line to report the fraud
  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30279582

 

 

 

Consumers hit by increase in 'vishing' phone [problem]s

 

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2014/12/consumers-hit-by-increase-in-vishing-phone-[problem]s--386950/