Ofcom has issued an official notice to UK broadband users to be on the lookout for fraudsters who pretend to be from Ofcom or broadband provider British Telecom. There have been a number of reports of attempted scams throughout the UK where the fraudsters call their victims to inform them that their telephone line needs to be upgraded at a cost of £6 a line. The potential victims are then warned if the payment is not received within 10 days they risk being cut off and will be unable to make phone calls or use the Internet.
A number of victims have reported bogus line tests which have resulted in them not being able to make outbound calls simply because the fraudsters remain on the line to block any outward calls. Those who have experienced this particular problem have obviously been concerned, with many more than willing to pay the £6 “upgrade fee” which is being demanded.
This is just the latest in a number of telephone and broadband scams which are doing the rounds in the UK and around the world. It is vital that all customers are aware of these particular issues and if you are in any doubt whatsoever about the validity of a phone call regarding your telephone line or Internet connection do not give out any information and do not make any payments.