A REDDITCH pensioner is urging residents to be aware of scam telephone calls after being repeatedly called at all times of the day and night.
The 78-year-old resident, from Winyates, said she was being plagued by calls starting with the numbers ‘2246’.
“I’d open my phone up but when I did it said the call was disconnected,” she said.
“They always began with those first four numbers but the ones that came after were different.”
The senior citizen first contacted her daughter and then her neighbour, a specialist in computers.
“He looked into it and said the calls were coming from Guinea in West Africa – I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
Now the suspicion is that anyone calling the number back would immediately start building up a large telephone debt.
“I want to warn people that this is a scam and not to ring these numbers back!” she said.
Anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim of fraud or suspect attempted fraud should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Action Fraud say:
1. Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.
2. Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.
Always install the latest software and app updates on all of your devices.
3. Many frauds start with a phishing email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine.
4. Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online.
5. You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries you don’t recognise.
6. Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on.
7. If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things that you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with or contact you about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.
8. Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue.
9. If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost.
10. If you need advice about fraud or cyber crime get in contact at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call the number above.
