Identity Theft from Bogus BT Call

A caller rings up saying they are from BT and they're calling because your account is in arrears.  They ask for bank or credit card details then and there to clear the account.  If the account holder refuses to give their credit card information or asks for proof, the criminal says that they will disconnect the phone line then and there.

Once the victim puts the phone down, the caller stays on the line, thus giving the impression that the line has been disconnected.

BT have put out a warning as this scam is currently happening all over the UK.  See the BBC news item.

Advice

• Never give your bank or credit card information out on the phone if you have not initiated the call
• Although BT does sometimes call customers about outstanding bills, it never disconnects the line during the call

Identity Theft from Bogus Police Officer

This fraud is often aimed at elderly people and occurs when the criminals contact a potential victim posing as police officers investigating fraudulent activity on their bank card.  They even call several times to gain the victim’s trust and then visit the victim’s home to collect their bank card and PIN. See the full story on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.

Advice

• Your bank would be the first organisation to contact you if they suspect you are a victim of credit card fraud.  Ring them for confirmation
• You should always request and verify the identification of any person who calls at your door that you do not know.  A police officer who calls at an address would always have and show a warrant card
• Never reveal your PIN number to anyone

Identity Theft from Fake Jury Service Call

You receive a telephone call from someone who says they are an officer of the court.  They say that you have failed to report for jury duty – this is a serious offence and a warrant is out for your arrest.  Even though you tell them you never received a notification, they advise that one was sent and frighten you with the seriousness of the offence.

To try and clear it up, the caller will ask for some information for verification purposes that will include your full name, date of birth etc.  They now have all the information they need for identity theft.
The final scam is the statement that you can avoid being arrested if you pay an instant fine.  To do that you will need to provide them with your credit card details.  They’ve got you again!

The jury duty scam is a simple one - scare you first then give you a way out.

Advice

• Remember that court officers never ask for personal or confidential information over the phone.  Courts normally follow up with potential jurors and no-show jurors by mail
• Never give out personal information including credit card details to anyone on the phone when you haven’t initiated the call
• If you are unsure about a telephone call, ask for the caller's name and organization's or department's details and then hang up.  Find a legitimate contact number for the organization using a telephone directory or other means [Don't use a contact number provided by the caller] and then call the organization and ask to speak to the original caller by name