Premium rate phone line scams

Premium rate phone line scams

Premium rate phone line scams involve fraud being committed against telephone companies. There are a number of different ways in which fraudsters use premium rate phone line scams, otherwise known as fixed line fraud.

One way is card selling fraud.  Card selling fraud involves fraudsters taking out a phone service and then selling members of the public the ability to make calls through it, then the fraudster fails to pay the bill.

Direct Inward System Access Fraud (DISA) or Dial Through Draft (DTF) is another way in which premium rate phone line scams are carried out.  This is when fraudsters manage to gain access to a telephone switchboard and then sell people the ability to make calls through the switchboard. 

Fraudsters also commit premium rate service fraud.  This is when they increase the revenue they receive from a premium rate number by significantly increasing the number of calls to that telephone number.

A further way in which phone line scams are committed involves the fraudster taking out a phone service but providing false details in their application.  Fraudsters then leave a debt which is uncollectible, known as a bad debt.

If you have information about fraudsters you can pass it on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by filling out our secure online giving information form.