Who is that caller?

A resident was contacted today on their mobile by someone claiming to be from a well-known broadband provider.  They said that in order to confirm their identity they would send them a 6-digit security code.  The intended victim realised immediately the classic route to being scammed - if you are called by an organisation, they have no need to confirm that you are in possession of that mobile because they literally just called you on it.

A likely evolution of this scam, had it gone through, would have been to use the code to take control of the intended victim's account in some way.

Action required please:

Please report all scam phone numbers in the UK by texting the number to 7726 (free of charge) to alert your mobile provider.  7726 spells “SCAM” on your keypad.

Crime prevention advice:

Be particularly aware of incoming calls from utilities, banks and other providers - if you need to speak to them, make sure that it's always YOU that calls THEM on their published contact number.

When taking an incoming call, if it's unexpected … reject it.  And even if you were expecting a call from that bank or utility then don't be caught out by a scammer trying to strike it lucky with a coincidental call.