Burnham-On-Sea Police have this week issued a warning local residents to beware of a BT broadband scam.
Officers said there have been scores of reports of Burnham and Highbridge residents receiving automated messages by phone and text message this week claiming that their broadband security has been compromised.
The automated call, supposedly from BT, says that the person’s broadband internet has been terminated and that you need to press 1 for reconnection.
Police advise: “If you get an automated message on your phone saying your broadband security has been compromised and will be terminated today, it’s a scam. Put the phone down.”
One Burnham-On-Sea resident said they had received seven calls in an hour on Tuesday (June 25th).
The tactic is seeking personal information, access to your computer, and in some cases, asking for bank details.
BT said it will never do any of the following over the phone:
- Call to tell you we’ve found a problem with your computer;
- Ask for payment details over email or live chat;
- Call out of the blue and ask for remote access to your computer or other devices;
- Tell you your router or IP address has been compromised;
- Tell you your broadband has been hacked;
- Threaten to disconnect your service unless you make a payment immediately;
- Ask for your PIN or online banking password;
- Ask you to transfer money via PayPal or money transfer websites;
- Send someone to your home to collect money.
BT says that anyone who receives such a call should report it here.
