Moray alert over phone scammers

TRADING standards have urged householders to be careful following reports of scam calls.

Residents in both Fochabers and Forres have contacted the service after being called by scammers pretending to be from their broadband or phone provider.

The calls have taken different forms. Some are an automated message asking the recipient to press '1' to be connected to an adviser while others are an actual telephone call.

During the call the householder may be asked for payment or invited to download software which will allow the scammer to access their computer and from there personal bank details.

Trading standards advice is never to download software on the advice of a caller and never give personal or payment details to a cold caller, no matter who they say they are.

Those worried about their account should hang up and call their provider using the normal access numbers.

If possible, use a different telephone line or wait at least 10 minutes before making the call to ensure that the scammers are not still on the line.

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