So stressed out. I think I’ve given my personal details to a scammer 😞

Claire W

Claire W

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I have recently changed mobile phone providers and thought I was phoning them earlier today but after being charged for phoning a premium number and discovering that my new mobile phone provider doesn’t have a customer service phone number (it all has to be done online through the app) I am terrified I have given my personal details to a scammer 😞 I basically gave my name, address, phone number and email address. I feel sick with worry and so stupid especially as I was the victim of identity theft last year where the scammers took out bank accounts and a mobile phone contract in my name which was very stressful. I don’t know what to do 😞
 
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I suggest you talk to CAB who are likely to have information on what to do.
As a precaution warn any financial institutions you’re involved with that you may be a victim of identity fraud.
The police could also be helpful and your mobile phone provider could explain how this happened.
So sorry you’re in this awful position
 
Claire W said:
I have recently changed mobile phone providers and thought I was phoning them earlier today but after being charged for phoning a premium number and discovering that my new mobile phone provider doesn’t have a customer service phone number (it all has to be done online through the app) I am terrified I have given my personal details to a scammer 😞 I basically gave my name, address, phone number and email address. I feel sick with worry and so stupid especially as I was the victim of identity theft last year where the scammers took out bank accounts and a mobile phone contract in my name which was very stressful. I don’t know what to do 😞
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It sounds awful. Speak to your bank and they may be able to check your accounts. You might need to keep checking for a while. It's horrible to think that people do identity theft. Your experience is as good reminder to everyone to take care in this complicated modern world.
 
Sorry this has happened to you Claire. It's all too easy to be misled by scammers with copycat webpages and fake links.

It might be worth changing you passwords on important online accounts that use your email such as banks, PayPal, eBay etc. Make sure your antivirus is up to date and be wary of unexpected emails.

There's also a website "haveibeenpwned" which allows you to check if your details have been involved in any data breaches. It can be useful to know, even when you haven't been directly in contact with scammers.
 
Thank you everyone. I just feel so, so stupid but I generally thought I was talking to a customer service operative 😞 I’ve just checked my email address on haveibeenpwned and it says pwned in 5 data breaches and and found one paste @Qualcast&Flymo and I do not understand what that means and am super stressed now 😞
 
You've been given some great advice above Claire- I'd recommend contacting ActionFraud and the police (via their online forms). That way they can give you some robust safety tips and try and locate the heartless scammers who have done this to you.
No need to feel stupid- these people are horribly manipulative and catch thousands of people out every year.
You've done the right thing by asking for help. 🥰
 
Claire W said:
Thank you everyone. I just feel so, so stupid but I generally thought I was talking to a customer service operative 😞 I’ve just checked my email address on haveibeenpwned and it says pwned in 5 data breaches and and found one paste @Qualcast&Flymo and I do not understand what that means and am super stressed now 😞
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I would be wary of a website, but it may be helpful. It feels like swimming against the tide at times. I will have a look at the Action fraud site and police advice. I don't know how very old people cope these days 🙁
 
To be honest, as long as you gave no financial details and keep a good eye on things, I think you should be fine without taking further action. All that's likely to happen is that you get a lot of convincing sounding spam where they have your information (eg name, address etc). I think most people nowadays have had their details sold all over the place from data breaches. :( I had my information hacked from a pension, so my name, address and NI number are floating around all over the dark web at this point, but there is nothing to do other than be vigilant.
 
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