Fears over bank hoax call scam

Trading standards at Rochdale Council fear a growing problem where callers pose as bank managers offering help in reclaiming excessive bank or credit card charges.

The Council has received 15 complaints in the last 6 months about unsolicited phone calls in which the caller claims to be from a bank.

The bogus caller has on several occasions been able to persuade the victim that they are genuine and then asks for a debit or credit card security number promising that money will be reimbursed into their account.

Instead, the victim is left with a charge of £49-£99 for a useless ‘self-help’ pack containing legal forms. Upon trying to cancel the payment or reclaim it after receiving the ‘self help’ pack the company involved cannot be contacted and emails or telephone calls are not returned.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Council said: “Please don’t be persuaded to provide or confirm any personal details to unsolicited callers. If presented with your bank or credit card details by the caller, contact your bank or credit provider immediately. If you suspect a call is a hoax, report it to Consumer Direct so that they can be investigated.”

Consumers who have been misled by any caller in this way should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.