Warning issued on suspected pension scam
PENSIONERS in Northumberland have been warned of a potential telephone scam.
Northumberland County Council has received a number of complaints from residents who have received recorded phone messages from organisations claiming to offer cash rewards linked to pensions.
The message urges people to press buttons to access a pay-out of £1,000.
However, officers from the council’s Public Protection Service say it is likely to be a scam.
Business and Consumer Protection Manager Jimmy Power said: “This has all the hallmarks of a scam.
“We repeat our advice to all consumers to be wary of receiving calls from unknown sources. Many will try to trick you into providing personal detail, or your bank details.”
Advice to avoid falling victim to a scam includes:
• Be wary of unsolicited calls implying you are due money.
• Don’t give out personal, credit card or bank details.
• Don’t agree to something just to get rid of a persistent caller.
• If you’re not clear who you are speaking to, hang up.
• Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision or payment.
• Check the credentials of the company you are dealing with. Look them up on the internet.
• Don’t reply to unsolicited texts, even to get them stopped. Simply delete them.
• Don’t respond to missed calls from numbers you don’t recognise. It could be a premium rate number.
Anyone who has received a suspected scam call should report it to the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506, or phone Action Fraud on 0300 123 5040.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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