Scam calls or text

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Scam Phone calls 

Call Blocking 

If you receive a lot of unwanted and scam calls you can use call blocking to reduce these. Call blocking can reduce up to 98% of scam calls, and you can block scam calls in a variety of ways. 

If you are a WightFibre, Sky or TalkTalk customer they all offer a free call blocking service.

    • Wightfibre dial 1490 and follow instructions, 
    • Talk Talk dial 1472 and follow instructions, 
    • Sky call them directly or through your online account 

  • You can purchase phones that block scam calls. These phones allow through calls from friends and family that are stored in the memory 

  • Call Blocking Units can be purchased online from reputable traders. Trading Standards works with Truecall to keep residents safe

Register online with the Telephone Preference service 

It can take up to 28 days to reduce the number of calls. If particular companies are still making unsolicited calls to your home, send a recorded delivery letter to them requesting that they stop telephoning you. Advise the company that if they continue, then you will report them to the Office of Communications (OFCOM). This wont necessarily prevent scam calls but it will provide the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) with intelligence around companies making calls to residents on the register  

If you have written to a company asking them to stop calling you and they continue to do so, contact OFCOM. 

You could also change your phone number, this is not difficult to do and can be arranged by your service provider 

Visit OFCOM or call 020 7981 3040. Textphone for deaf or speech impaired is 020 7981 3043. 

Scam Texts 

Criminals are able to use spoofing technology to send texts impersonating organisations that you know and trust. If you receive an unexpected text asking for personal or financial details, do not respond. Remember, don’t click on the links or attachments in any texts and instead visit the official website through a known route. 

  • The public can report any type of SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 

How to check or report

These useful websites and contacts can help you when you need further advice or wish to report and issue.

Citizens Advice

  • Citizens Advice free Helpline: 0808 223 1133
  • Visiting the website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Action Fraud

IW Trading Standards 

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