safneo Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Havent had time to check this out yet and probably wont today. Just wanted to warn 'in case' as it seems very feasible. THis was posted on a forum today: 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, allegedly Virgin Media 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. 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 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 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 own to friends and family and be on your guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happylittlegreensquirrel Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 looks like there is some truth in it Snopes also Suffolk Police have a warning http://www.suffolk.police.uk/News+And+Appeals/News/Caller+Warning+-+Suffolk+Wide.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanishPastry Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 yes, this was actually on the BBC news website and BBC Breakfast news about 1 week ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 yep i had them on the phone the other week apparently BT like music blaring in the background they were asking for my dad but my mum pays the bll so i told them they had the wrong person and suprisingly they didn't call back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greys mum Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 This was on radio Suffolk as a few people had the same call. One elderly lady unfortunately gave her details and they took quite a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel n Hardy Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 now we know what they do it would be easy to 'spike' them back, if you get the phone call dispute they are from BT etc etc. Try and dial out, and when they call u back to say "told you so", simply press the mute button, and go take the dogs for a walk, now they can't call anyone until you disconnect.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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