Bogus callers demand bank details

POLICE have issued a warning over a cold-calling scam where victims are threatened with having their phone cut off unless they give bank details to meet an "unpaid bill".

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jan 2010, 10:49 BST

Updated 26th Jan 2010, 10:49 BST

Officers in South Yorkshire have received several calls from worried residents about the con, with three separate reports made in Doncaster over the last few days.

Detectives believe the calls are being made by opportunistic thieves, and said anyone who gave bank or credit card details would see cash removed from accounts or unauthorised payments made on cards.

A police spokesman said each victim described being called by someone claiming to be from BT and added: "The caller told them they owed money and if they did not pay it, the telephone line would be disconnected. "The caller then asked for their bank details so the bill could be paid. One person gave their bank details and within an hour, goods had been purchased online using the details.

"Police are warning people to be extra vigilant and not to give bank details out to anyone who cold calls."

Anyone who receives a suspect call should contact police on 01142 202020.