If you’re a Sky customer who needs to get in touch with the TV and broadband firm for a support matter it’s worth double checking if the customer service number you have looked up is really legitimate. Sky is warning all its UK customers to be wary when searching for official helpline numbers online, as fraudsters have found ways to scam you out of money just by picking up the phone.
We’ve all been stung by overseas phone bills and necessary calls to premium numbers when it’s unavoidable, but Sky has issued a warning on its website after discovering that criminals are using Google search results and premium rate call websites to post fake Sky customer service numbers.
“These fraudulent sites direct users to phone numbers that charge exorbitant rates – sometimes up to more than £10 per minute – posing as Sky customer service.” Sky said on its website.
“These scams operate by manipulating Google results or using deceptive ads to target people looking for Sky’s support. Once you dial these numbers, you’re hit with high charges. This scheme exploits our customers’ need for assistance.”
The fake helplines are designed to keep you on the phone for as long as possible while the charges rack up. There’s also the possibility that someone on the other end will be posing as a Sky customer service employee and could be trying to get you to disclose sensitive information – another way you could be defrauded.
Sky advised that it only ever provides contact information on its official website and through authorised communications. If you’ve searched for a Sky number to call and the result you find isn’t on Sky’s website, it’s best to look again for an official source.
If you’re a Sky Mobile or Sky Talk customer, calls to Sky are free. If you’re not, Sky says “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 package, other charges may apply.
Despite this warning, Sky did not provide any customer service phone numbers. In fact, the firm makes it quite difficult to find direct numbers to call to discuss issues, preferring to get customers to click through multiple choice questions on the Sky website to try and solve issues, or direct them to text-based internet chats.
If you would prefer to call Sky, the official number is 0333 7592 392. Sky Talk or Sky Mobile customers can call 150.
