SCOTS WERE warned yesterday about a new mobile phone scam that hits phone users in their pockets.

Carnoustie and District Crime Prevention Panel urged people to be aware of the new scam which could end up costing phone users as much as £50 a minute.

Group chairman Lindsay Martin said the latest ruse involves phone owners getting a message indicating that they have a missed call.

“The number—0709 0203840—comes up on your phone,” he explained.

“The last few digits may vary but certainly the first four numbers will remain the same. If you call this number back you will be charged £50 a minute.

“People have complained about their phone bills once they’ve realised the cost of the calls but apparently this is completely legal,” he added.

Mr Martin also spoke out against the calls people get to their landline telephones informing them they have won a holiday, and urged people not to be taken in by the messages.

“They ask you to press 9 after telling you you’ve won a holiday—if you press 9 you will be connected to a premium rate line that will cost you £20 a minute,” he said.

“Even if you disconnect immediately, it will remain connected for up to five minutes costing you £100.”

Commenting on the scams, a police spokesman said, “Tayside police remind people that they can ask their telephone supplier to ban access to premium rate calls to their phone number and recommend that people seek further advice from their telephone supplier.

“If you do receive non- solicited calls do not talk, do not press any keys—just hang up.”