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The new phone 'scam' has arrived
The new telephone 'scam' has arrived. I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was dis-connecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31.00 , or it would be £ 118.00 to re-connect at a later date.
He wasn't even fazed when I said to him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!
I asked the person's name - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152. Obviously the chap realised I wasn't believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this.
AND HE DID !! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again. Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then.
I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up.
Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number – not recognised.
I phoned the police to let them know, I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently but it is escalating. Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please let as many friends & family aware of this.
This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800152 which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced!
The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable.
There is also another where the phone number comes from Belfast where BT are located and purports to be BT but are another telecoms trying to make you switch provider.
Remember to always say you'll call them back and phone the real business if you are unsure. And never agree to anything on the phone.
He wasn't even fazed when I said to him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!
I asked the person's name - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152. Obviously the chap realised I wasn't believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this.
AND HE DID !! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again. Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then.
I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up.
Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number – not recognised.
I phoned the police to let them know, I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently but it is escalating. Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please let as many friends & family aware of this.
This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800152 which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced!
The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable.
There is also another where the phone number comes from Belfast where BT are located and purports to be BT but are another telecoms trying to make you switch provider.
Remember to always say you'll call them back and phone the real business if you are unsure. And never agree to anything on the phone.
Quote:The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool
Thats what they count on, But the real problem is catching them, Even if they should get caught, The law is so biased these days, Its hardly a deterant.
Anyhow good on you for not being scammed, Good idea to bring it to attention too....
Just got of the phone with our respective parents (all in their 80's) - hearing about this from other sources too... Better to be safe etc. Thanks Di.
That wouldn't stop any calls on my phone Doug.
Not at £97.50.
Jester.
Not at £97.50.
Jester.
TPS and TrueCall gets rid of most of them; inevitably a few will sneak through but nothing that slamming the receiver down can't cope with.
You may not have done Doug but that's what it costs in your link.
Jester.
Jester.
Go to the car boot, buy a tape recorder.. 50P, then buy a nice good old yorkshire brass band tape, 10p and for 60 pence, tell all scammers and tele sales you are putting them on hold let them enjoy the tape whilst they pay the bill.
They never call back !
They never call back !
