Supernova Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 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. The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, 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 Ihad absolutely no intention of paying him , I didn'tbelieve his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up. Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number - notrecognised. I phoned the police to let them know , I wasn't thefirst! It's only just started apparently but it isescalating. Their advice was to let as many people know byword 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 ofthe line is very simple , he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear to trying (This is because the person who initates 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. Please pass this on to friends and family and be on your guard. Bernie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joolesgreyuk Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Bernie you are an angel, thank you for posting this. Karma to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Sadly a lot of people will be fooled into thinking this is a real deal, why there are so many people out there willing to do such deeds to make a dishonest dollar but their day is coming and it isn't in a courtroom either, thanks Bernie for alerting our English members to yet another scam. Karma from me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
she Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks Bernie,I will pass this on to as many people as I can.Just think ,they would have your card details and could wipe accounts out in no time. One bit of advise I wish to add if I may is than nobody should give card details on the phone unless they phone the company involved themselves.Never to anyone who phones you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvparrots Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Oh how very sad that someone would do this. Thanks for the heads up Bernie!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittykittykitty Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Oh, my!!! What dishonest people! It happens here also. Seniors are especially vulnerable so please be careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillyBeanz Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks for this Bernie - there is far too much of this going on and I feel that the actual phone companies aren't doing enough to stop it. I hope you've all joined the caller's preference service - I now receive absolutely NO cold calls - when before I received at least 1 - 2 per night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillyBeanz Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 Goodness me! Bernie - you are more informative that the BBC!! I was watching the telly this morning and guess what was featured - just what you've described!! They said that the police wanted to know of any instances - it seems it's from Yorkshire downwards - they're too scared to try it on with us hard people up here in the North!!! :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernova Posted September 19, 2009 Author Share Posted September 19, 2009 Just us southern softies then:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poppy Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 This has broke on the main news today .Its been on all the radio stations as well .Bt have warned that they phone nobody and ask for there details over the phone ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvparrots Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 That's why I just love caller ID. Don't have to talk to anyone I don't want to. I hope the proper authorities get this all sorted out for you all in England! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranaz Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 God some people have no limits. Thanks for sharing this {Nature-00020095} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillyBeanz Posted September 22, 2009 Share Posted September 22, 2009 I've got caller ID and I still answer the phone - I'm so nosy and love winding them up!!! :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernova Posted September 22, 2009 Author Share Posted September 22, 2009 I do to, I give them some s,ahem when I get a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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