Pensioners warned of cash rewards telephone scam
NORTHUMBERLAND County Council Public Protection Service is warning pensioners to be on their guard after receiving complaints relating to a potential telephone scam.
Householders have received recorded phone messages from organisations claiming to offer cash awards that are linked to pensions. The message informs them to press particular buttons to access a cash pay-out of £1,000.
Jimmy Power, business and consumer protection manager, 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.”
To reduce the risks of falling victim to a scam, Public Protection has the following tips: Be wary of unsolicited callers suggesting or implying that you are due money; don’t give out your personal, credit card or bank details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source; don’t agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller; if you’re not clear about who you are speaking to, terminate the call; don’t be pressurised to make a quick decision or to make payments; check the company’s credentials; don’t reply to unsolicited texts.
Anyone who has received these calls should report it by ringing the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506 or call Action Fraud on 0300 1235040.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
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