Warning issued over 'Voice Phishing' scam where fraudsters claims they will fix issues related to Broadband

A warning has been issued for the people to beware from a "voice phishing" scam, where the fraudsters pretend to be calling from one utility company saying that there were issues with the call recipient's broadband service and claims that they will fix the issues related to the broadband service.

The scam takes place when people receive a call from somebody claiming to be calling on behalf of a service provider, usually supplying broadband. The caller would then alert the call recipient about the issues involving their broadband supply, and would then offer their services to repair the same. However, in order to repair, the fraudsters would request for a remote access of the call recipient's desktop computer or laptop, along with the information related to their credit cards and debit cards as well the security details.

Gardai, police service of Republic of Ireland, have issued a warning that these callers are highly professional and also sound genuine. In fact, they can also transfer the call to a supervisor on the call recipient's request.

Detective James O'Meara, while speaking on the RTÉ's Drivetime, said that these callers at times only have basic information regarding the householders like their name as well as address. As per Detective O'Meara, one financial provider has over 20 complaints from the victims of this scam recently. O'Meara said that while the financial institutions generally pick up these scams, many victims do not report these scams to them.

Detective O'Meara also added that if someone is suspicious about such a scam, then the call should be disconnected immediately and the service provider should be contacted by using the number that is provided on the bill or on the company website. He further recommended that people should call service provider through another phone, as on
some occasions the fraudsters left phone line open. Besides, O'Meara said that if anybody believes that they became victim of such a scam, then they should immediately contact their bank as well as the Garda station.

The BPFI (Banking and Payments Federation Ireland) said that people should "always be wary of any unexpected calls or texts, especially those asking for personal details or payments".

» SPAMfighter News - 3/13/2019