Yet Another Scam

This has been sent to me to warn others. Even if it's not true I know there are similar scams going about - and have been going around for some years. Gives you the idea of what sort of things go on.

"Received a phone call from BT, informing me that he was disconnecting 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.

The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental! I asked the guy's name - he gave me the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & 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 & he told me to hang up & 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 & 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.

I dialled 1471 -number withheld I phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognized. So 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 go off would probably convince some people it's real. 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. 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 many. By the way this is not about getting the cash as this would not get past merchant services - it is all about getting the credit card details which include the security number, to be used for larger purchases."

 

Well, it didn't get past you, shiney It was probably Donald Trump trying to raise funds for his retirement and a new set of Golf Clubs.

 

Which is why I never answer the Landline I let the Answer Phone do the talking and if they wish to identify themselves I might pick up the phone if I know them.

 

Naw!!! It's for the wall he's building.

 

Didn't come to me but the warning was sent to me by email.

I have Call Guardian on my phone so don't get scam callers. The only time it rings is if their number is in my directory - or if they have given Call Guardian their name their message gets relayed to me and I decide whether to accept the call. We have that on both landlines and never get scammers any more.

 

I miss winding them up. It had become an enjoyable pastime.

 

There certainly are!