BT Scam

[mrsstue11 0]

Just had this warning email through today of a friend.







A local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator has just received the Scam below.

Please Read and if necessary forward this information on to warn others.





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.
>
> 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 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 and
> he said credit card, there and 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 dialed 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, so please make as many friends &
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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 so that it can be
> used for far larger purchases.

[lee1 1]

cheers for that mrs stue