WARNING NEW SCAM

[davyw1]

Got this from a friend



The new telephone 'scam' has arrived in Medway.

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 - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152.

Obviously the fella realized 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.

[davyw1]

[redrichwen]

Thanks for warning us!!

Its hard to believe the lengths these crooks will go to  >:(

[djbrenton]

The phone probably doesn't go off. He just doesn't hang up so the line isn't free straight away.

[Baccy Man]

Obviously the fella realized 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.

Actually that demonstrates he was not calling from BT as the call centres don't have the power to disconnect you in that manner. The reason the line could not be used was because he didn't hang up, if I remember correctly the automatic disconnect kicks in after 10 minutes of no data being transmitted down the line.

This scam has been going on for years it used to be bank account details they were after currently it only seems to be credit/debit card details. It is well known to BT & the police if anyone experiences such calls they should be reported to the BT Nuisance Calls Bureau.
http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2044