Such scams are committed in several ways. In some cases, the scammers pose as call connection service providers, and they visit the premises of the house or office to check the switchboard and modify the settings to a premium rate connection. 

Sometimes, they call the victim and ask them to redial on a number to claim a tax refund, acquire a grant or access the government's insolvency services. You should not answer if the number looks like a premium rate number. 

How Does It Happen?

• The tricksters sell other people's ability to make premium calls by redirecting the connection settings to increase the number of calls from the victim's phone. It is a call-selling trick where the fraudsters extract a phone service and sell it while they have no intention to pay the bills.

• Sometimes, they get phone service with a fake identity, which leaves a debt in the name of someone who does not know their identity has been used by someone else. 

• They claim to be from authorised connection services, but any approved provider will always tell you the cost of calls. In addition, any firm that updates its numbers will inform the website users about the related changes, the documents, signage and paperwork where they will display the old number.  

• If you get unsolicited messages about a premium number subscription, you can check its credibility on the standard search engine to see if it is legitimate. If you suspect a fraud, report it to the authorities.