Published: Wednesday, 19th August, 2009 1:00pm

Residents told to beware of scam calls

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UNSUSPECTING Slough residents have been warned of widespread scam calls from a bogus competition line designed to rake in cash from the borough.

Homeowners in the town have become the victim of the costly crank calls in recent weeks with messages being left on both land lines and mobiles to call a premium rate number in order to claim a mystery prize.

Anyone returning the message is put through to a recording instructing callers to follow the instructions to win a prize, although the call could last up to ten minutes at a cost of around £15 and no prize would have been won.

Russell Clarke, technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: "If residents have not entered any competitions they need to ask themselves why they are getting calls saying they've won a prize.

"If they think they've received a call from a premium rate company, they should not call it back."

Council chiefs have now moved to inform residents to hang up immediately upon hearing any such message and to report the number to Phone Pay Plus on 0800 500 212.