Sky has issued an urgent warning today, regarding a scam that could lead to eye-watering phone bills.
Fraudsters are creating fake websites and adverts that appear when people search for Sky customer support, tricking them into calling premium-rate numbers.
Then, these calls can rack up charges of more than £10 per minute, turning a simple request for help into a financial nightmare.
Here’s what you need to know to guard yourself from these scams.
The Scam Unveiled
These deceptive operations, which have been around for a long time and constantly change names, target customers seeking help with their Sky services.
The scammers manipulate Google’s search results and even use misleading adverts to target people looking for Sky’s official support channels.
These fake sites then provide premium-rate phone numbers, leading to exorbitant charges for callers.
“Once you dial these numbers”, Sky explains, “you’re hit with high charges. This scheme exploits our customers’ need for assistance.”
Sky emphasised that it never uses premium rate numbers for customer support.
“The only contact information we use is provided through our official website and authorized communications,” the company clarified.
Understanding Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers, often starting with prefixes like 084, 087, 090, 091, or 098, charge callers at a higher rate than standard phone numbers.
While legitimately used for services such as TV show voting or competition lines, they’ve become a tool for scammers due to their high per-minute charges.
Calls to these numbers are typically not included in standard call packages, potentially leading to unexpectedly high phone bills.
This is particularly concerning for customers dealing with service issues, as support calls can often be lengthy.
Calling these fraudulent numbers can potentially lead to two troubling outcomes:
The Costly Redirect: In some cases, the premium-rate number automatically forwards your call to Sky’s genuine customer service. While you do end up speaking to Sky, you’re charged the premium rate for the entire call.
This unnecessary “middleman” service significantly inflates your phone bill without providing any additional benefit.
The Direct Scam: More alarmingly, some of these fake numbers connect you directly to the scammers.
These fraudsters may pose as Sky representatives, attempting to extract sensitive information such as account details or payment information.
This scenario opens the door to identity theft and further financial fraud.
Protecting Yourself From Contact Number Scams
To avoid falling victim to this scam, Sky advises customers to only use the contact information provided on their official website or from official Sky correspondence.
The company’s legitimate customer service number is 0333 759 1018.
Keep in mind that calls to Sky official contact centres are inclusive for Sky Mobile and Sky Talk customers.
If you’re not with Sky Mobile or Sky Talk, calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calls to 01 or 02 numbers (can cost between 3p and 65p per minute) and are included in your calls package.
If you don’t have a call package, charges may apply, so check your provider’s tariff guide.
It’s no secret that contacting Sky’s official customer service can sometimes be a test of patience. Many customers have experienced long wait times when calling Sky’s support lines.
But while these delays can be frustrating, especially when dealing with urgent issues, using official channels remains the safest option to avoid scams.
Sky’s Response
Customers who fall prey to these methods sometimes end up blaming Sky for the surprising call charge – but the company is not to blame in this instance.
In its announcement, Sky has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable and accessible support to its customers. “We want to reassure our customers that Sky never uses premium rate numbers for support,” the company stated.
“If you encounter any suspicious websites or phone numbers, please report them immediately. Our dedicated customer service team is available through verified channels to assist you and ensure your experience with Sky remains secure and positive.”
If Sky made it easier to find their customer service number without having to go all around the houses then it would aid customers and not get them to fall into these scam traps!