Watch out, there be scammers about, warns watchdog
Print storyIf it's too good to be true...
Posted in Telecoms, 23rd March 2005 16:23 GMT
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Rogue operators are looking to use the long holiday weekend to rip-off UK punters, according to phone watchdog ICSTIS.
It's received credible market intelligence that scamsters are looking to ramp up the use of illegal Automated Calling Equipment (ACE) to tell people they're the "lucky winner" of a cash prize or holiday.
Of course, neither exists and anyone who falls for the con by calling the premium rate number connected with the scam will only be left out of pocket.
In statement the watchdog said: "ICSTIS is urging members of the public on the receiving end of such messages to be extra vigilant over the Easter break, and expects full co-operation from phone networks and service providers in preventing such behaviour.
"ICSTIS' advice to consumers is simple: bear in mind that nothing comes for free and remember that, if you haven't entered a competition in the first place, you won't have won a prize. Scepticism is the best policy, so delete the message or hang up and then register a complaint with ICSTIS," it said. ®
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