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The Sky TV Scam
This originally started some months ago but it's doing its rounds again. It's a two part scam involving two telephone calls. The first call is from someone who tells you they are calling from Sky TV's call centre and asking what you think of the service - what they are really trying to find out is whether or not you are actually a Sky TV customer. Regardless of your answer, the call is then terminated by the caller (usually from Africa). If you indicated to the caller that you are indeed a Sky customer, then your number is retained and you will receive a follow-up call normally in about a weeks time. If you told them you're not a Sky customer you won't receive any more calls as you're no use to the scammer. The second call is supposedly from either Sky's billing department or their customer service department - their job is now to tempt you with customer service offers/upgrades (normally too good to be true!) or for them to insist that you owe a small amount of money and bully you into paying (a very small amount seldom rings alarm bells with customers). Whichever scenario they use, they expect you to give them your credit or debit card numbers and CSV code etc to either make the payment or take advantage of the offer. The calls can sometimes feel genuine - particularly when Sky is calling you and they know you are a customer (most people seldom remember the first call and don't tie-in the connection). If you receive calls like this, ask the caller for their geographical location, call centre reference number and Staff ID and then simply phone Sky yourself using the number found on their website or bills. Chances are the call is completely bogus and simply a scam. NEVER give your credit or debit card number to anyone over the phone - it's NEVER worth the risk.
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