As the take-up of broadband continues to grow in the UK it seems as though the sector is now suffering from a deluge of scams, hitting many people who are not fully aware of how the industry works. The latest scam, which was identified in the Northwest of the UK, involves a fraudster calling up a broadband customer to tell them that their broadband warranty is up for renewal, and they can save by renewing it today. So how does the scam work?
To start with, what exactly is a broadband warranty? Have you ever heard of a broadband warranty? This is the way in which the fraudsters can fool you, by sounding so sincere about something which does not actually exist. How can you argue with them when you do not know what you are arguing about?
After they have alarmed you by suggesting that your warranty is running out, the voice on the telephone will then offer you the chance to save £20 by renewing your warranty now. A quick confirmation of your full name and address (something they should already have if you had dealt with them before), your debit card or switch card number and then the deal is done. Well not quite….but next time you check your bank balance you may be in for a surprise!
While it is not certain how many people have been approached by these fraudsters, or how many people have actually been taken in by them, there are sure to be a number of people who have suffered financially and lived to regret the day they bought a “broadband warranty”.