Warning over new ‘scam stopping’ devices

Con artists have been tricking people and making false promises about a device that attaches to a telephone handset and puts an end to all nuisance calls.

The devices are even said to get rid of the internationally based calls, all but for just a small fee.

Advice on the scam also comes from the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), a legitimate central opt out register whereby individuals can actually register their wish not to receive unsolicited UK based sales and marketing calls.

The service is completely free to consumers and can be accessed over the internet and by phone 0845 070 0707 or online www.online.org.uk.

They say that recent scammers have been using the name and reputation of the TPS when targeting potential victims to give the impression that they are linked with the TPS and their services, a classic tactic used by many scammers and rogues who play on other organisations’ kudos.

The TPS are advising people if they receive a call from someone claiming to be from the TPS or a similar sounding organisation, asking for personal information or charging for this service, their advice is to not pay or give them any personal details as it is most likely a scam.

The TPS say they are aware of a number of organisations that call UK consumers from overseas and details of these can be found on their website.

David Lodge, head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards said: “Beware of anyone contacting you out of the blue and always hang up on unknown cold callers. There are legitimate devices out there that you can buy to stop all nuisance calls, but you should always seek advice before you buy.

“Ultimately, never do business on the phone and register with the TPS to stop UK based sales and marketing calls for free.

“If you are receiving seriously high volumes of calls we suggest changing your telephone number and reporting any information on cold callers to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 04 05 06”.