Trading standards warn against bogus calls

Orkney Islands Council’s Trading Standards Team are reminding folk to be wary about calls claiming to be from businesses, such as BT or Microsoft, after they were told that a local resident lost a substantial sum of money to a scam.

Trading Standards Manager, Gary Foubister, has advised: “Scam and unsolicited calls are the most complained about the subject at present to trading standards.

“Many of these calls originate outwith the EU — much of the time posing with UK dialling codes — meaning stopping the calls and prosecuting businesses making the bogus calls is very difficult for enforcement agencies.

“On this occasion, the consumer was falsely told the caller was from BT and was calling as they were aware that the consumer’s broadband was being fraudulently used.

“The consumer subsequently gave the caller remote access to their computer and enough information about their internet bank accounts for a substantial amount — a five-figure sum — to be removed from their account.”

This warning comes just days after a similar warning from local police, about a scam where people are asked to give money via an iTunes gift card.

Mr Foubister: “Consumers should remember that it is highly unlikely that legitimate callers from BT – or unsolicited calls from any business – would need remote access to your computer, and they certainly would not need any internet banking information.”

If anyone receives calls they are unsure about, they should report their concerns to Trading Standards at Orkney Islands Council on 01856 873535 or by email via trading.standards@orkney.gov.uk. Alternatively, the public can contact Police Scotland on 101.