Beware ‘BT’ phone scam

Latest news in Yorkshire: November 15, 2017 03:18:12 PM

Officers are warning internet users to be on their guard following a spate of cyber-crime in South Yorkshire.

Purporting to be from the Technical Department at BT, perpetrators of the latest fraud have advised victims that their personal accounts are compromised, before instructing them on how to install remote viewing software. Once the ‘spy’ software has been installed, victims were asked to log into their online banking accounts, in order to secure them against fraud.

This process allows fraudsters to access victims’ bank accounts and has resulted in several people in South Yorkshire having tens of thousands of pounds stolen from them in recent weeks.

DC Steven Parker of South Yorkshire Police Force Crime Unit said: “This is a sophisticated crime and the people making the calls are very plausible.” “It’s likely that the crooks at the other end of the line are career criminals. They create panic in the victims before presenting themselves as the saviour and duping victims into giving access to their money.”

Cyber fraud is preventable and you can take precaution by following these simple steps:

• Keep calm and don’t panic if someone claims your account has been breached. Online banking is extremely secure and you will likely be reimbursed if your account is compromised through no fault of your own you.

• Do not log on to your computer or follow any instructions when requested to do so over the phone.

• Always take the name of the company and individual calling you before searching the internet for the company’s phone number and calling it.

Don’t simply rely on a number given to you by someone contacting you, as it may have been provided by fraudsters to make you believe their call is genuine.

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