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Isle of Wight: Debt calls warning

Warning on debt call firm`s scams

By Lorraine Parker - Friday, July 25, 2008
ISLANDERS are being warned about a company which is reportedly calling households, claiming it can help reduce personal debt.
Trading standards officials and the police said some residents had received calls from Global Credit Management, which claimed it could cut debts by up to 70 per cent.
The caller then requested personal and bank details, including account numbers, details about their mortgage company and outstanding debts.
Isle of Wight Council senior fair trading officer Julie Woodhouse said: “Under no circumstances should you ever reveal your personal bank and financial details over the phone or internet to a firm you are not familiar with.
“As soon as a company starts asking you these details, the alarm bells should ring in your head and you should end the call.
“Always seek advice from trading standards or police if you are unsure and remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.”
Police crime prevention officer Michaela Bailey added: “Anyone who receives a call like this should try to remember as much as they can about the bogus caller and the details they give you over the phone.
“This information can prove vital to police in identifying and catching offenders. Try dialling 1471 to find out if the caller has allowed their number to be traced.”
Police are encouraging residents to challenge the identities and motives of any caller they believe could be suspicious.