Internet Providers telephone scam

Cheshire Police is urging families and neighbours to warn elderly residents of a telephone scam involving fraudsters posing as internet providers.

A man has contacted a number of victims in the areas of Crewe, Chester, Warrington and Runcorn to tell them their modem was not compatible with their computer and the customer was owed £200.

The fraudster then informs the victim a bigger sum had been transferred instead by mistake, which they needed to repay.

Officers are reminding residents to remain vigilant and are issuing the following advice in-case they receive one of these telephone calls.

• Don't be afraid to put the phone down on someone if you are unsure about handing over details.
• Banks never call and ask for your four-digit card Pin or ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them or transfer money to another account.
• Never assume a caller is genuine just because they hold some information about you. Criminals may already have some basic information, such as a name, address and account details to try to make the call appear legitimate.
• Always be wary of cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back.
• Alternatively, if you do not have a second phone then you could try phoning a relative or friend, that way you know that the offender is not still on the line.
• Remember that it takes two people to terminate a call so try and use a different phone line if you are asked to ring back. If you think you've already been a victim of this scam, contact your bank or card company immediately.