|
|
 |
This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
For the latest information on what's on at The Bullfrog Blues Club click here
Barking Spider Promotions Mailing List |
|
A friend has sent me the following: A call was received from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was disconnecting my phone 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. The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media - allegedly Virgin Media have to pay BT a percentage for line rental! I asked the guy his name - he gave me the very 'English' name John Peacock - with a very 'African' accent and phone number - 0800 0800 152. Obviously the fellow realized I didn't believe his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how and he told me to hang up and try phoning someone - he would disconnect 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 and he said credit card, payment to be made there and then. II said that I didn't know how he'd apparently disconnected me, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him as I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up. I dialled 1471 - number withheld. I phoned the 0800 he had given me - 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 as possible know of this scam. The fact that the phone does apparently become disconnected would probably convince some people it's real, so please make as many friends and family aware of this. How is it done? This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800 152 which takes you through to BT Business. This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800 152 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. This scam is, however, NOT about getting the cash as this would not get past merchant services - it's all about getting the credit card details which include the security number so that it can be used for far larger purchases. For further information on this scam (which began in 2009) please see: http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=BT+scam&sp-a=00062d45-sp00000000&sp-advanced=1&sp-p=all&sp-w-control=1&sp-w=alike&sp-date-range=-1&sp-x=any&sp-c=100&sp-m=1&sp-s=0&x=19&y=9