Scam phone callers are tempting people to part with their credit card details with claims of cheap gas and electricity in a bid to defraud them.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards are warning people to be on their guard after an 83-year-old man from Bargoed was targeted by a bogus company.
The caller offered to get him cheaper gas and electricity if he signed up to the scheme by providing his bank details over the phone to make a payment.
He became concerned when they asked for the three digit security code on the back of the card and stopped the call. He went immediately to his bank to make sure no direct debit had been set up but the company kept phoning him to ask for the security code.
His daughter, a Mrs Kedward, contacted Trading Standards about the incident.
She said: “Fortunately my father realised before it was too late that this was a scam. I am concerned though that older residents who may be particularly worried about fuel costs in the current cold weather, could be attracted to this scam. The caller had my father’s postcode and I myself received a similar call a few days later, again they knew my postcode. I have since registered both our telephone numbers with the Telephone Preference Service.”
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet Member for public protection, said: “We strongly advise residents to never give out bank account details over the phone, and to never reveal personal information to unknown callers. Telephone numbers can be registered with the Telephone Preference Service, however this will only stop calls originating in the UK. Our Trading Standards Officers are aware that a lot of these scams originate from countries outside of Europe. Family members, friends and neighbours should discuss these matters with older residents to make them aware of how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.”
Trading Standards can provide warning stickers that can be placed on telephone handsets to remind older adults how to deal with sales calls. To obtain a sticker please call 01495 235291.