Don't get conned by telephone scams (From Warrington Guardian)

Don't get conned by telephone scams

POLICE are warning residents not to be conned by new telephone scams.

People are being charged for unwanted telephone calls, received on both landlines and mobiles.

But ICSTIS, the industry watchdog, says that the warnings against £20 and £50 per minute premium rate scams, are way off the mark.

Peter Kenny, a crime reduction advisor, said: "It's reassuring to hear that ICSTIS has confirmed that a premium rate phone company cannot charge more than £1.50 per call, especially for the people who have received calls from a pre-recorded message.

"Our advice however remains the same. If you receive an unsolicited call, which you are suspicious of, put the phone down."

The first scam concerns a recorded message, usually to a landline, which informs the recipient that they have won a holiday.

Mike O'Carroll, Warrington's community safety sergeant, said: "Even if you disconnect immediately, your line will be connected for a minimum of five minutes."

He added: "The only thing you can do is hang up when you hear the pre-recorded messages telling you that you have won something, especially if you have not entered any competitions."

The second scam relates to mobile telephones. A missed call comes up with the number 0709 020 3840 - the last four numbers may vary but the first four remain the same.

To stop unwanted calls at home, contact the Telephone Preference Service on 0800 398893.