Telephone Preference Service Scam

Carmarthenshire’s Public Protection Division is issuing a warning to all householders in the county.

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being targeted by criminals trying to obtain personal information to commit fraud.

The scam, currently circulating in the Llanelli area in particular, targets elderly people who are contacted by a caller who claims to represent the Telephone Preference Service or BT.

During the call they are asked if they receive nuisance phone calls and whether they would like to do something about it. Sometimes the caller talks about a subscription for a service and at other times they directly ask for personal information and details of debit and credit cards.

Council officers are warning that these callers only really want the personal information and bank details of individuals, so that they can try and withdraw money from an unsuspecting victim’s bank or credit account.

The Telephone Preference Service and BT provide a call barring service for free and their staff would not ask for bank or debit and credit card details.

Do not provide personal information, bank or debit and credit card details to anyone you don’t know.

The county council’s executive board member for the environment and public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “All too often today, you hear of someone who has been conned into parting with quite large sums of money following a phone call or through the internet.

“It’s a growing trend in criminal activity and the only way to combat it is by telling people about the scams so that they don’t become victims. “There are simple precautions that every householder can take – never give your credit or debit card or bank details over the telephone unless you are making a purchase from a supplier you know and trust and you have initiated the contact; never allow a caller to pressure you into giving them money, and always ask anyone who calls you claiming to be collecting an outstanding debt to contact you in writing to confirm the existence of the debt before even thinking about paying them.

“If you have elderly or vulnerable relatives or know a neighbour that may be vulnerable, please talk to them and pass this warning on.”