Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

BT Phone Scam - Sumi Olson (17th Sep 2009 - 14:41:37) This was sent to me by someone whose daughter was warned at work about this scam. I've googled BT phone scam and found several warnings from the newspapers that this is a genuine scam so be aware! www.google.co.uk/search.. "To: All Staff Subject: Beware of new phone scam 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 Orange, allegedly Orange 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 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."

Re: BT Phone Scam - Grahame (17th Sep 2009 - 15:20:36) I believe that if the caller doesn't disconnect the call then the called phone will remain busy, giving the impression that the line has been disconnected i.e no dial tone etc. Once the caller disconnects, your phone becomes available again and the scammer can call you again. He hasn't broken your line he is only keeping quiet. Grahame

Re: BT Phone Scam - Chris (17th Sep 2009 - 15:36:34) ...just say you pay by direct debit.

Re: BT Phone Scam - John Wingfield (17th Sep 2009 - 16:26:52) Grahame is absolutely correct with his diagnosis.Well done for not falling for it ! Good luck, John

Re: BT Phone Scam - Editor (17th Sep 2009 - 16:47:54) A similar scam was reported at http://url.co.uk/43wex earlier today. Editor

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home