this was not me a friend sent me an email . and i though you all should see it
its not a joke ....
PLEASE PASS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY.
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 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 & 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.
Dialed 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not
recognized.
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 maket as many friends & family aware of
this.
and hes friend sent this .
Real con job, don't get caught
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.
Cheers
Ian A Younger CFE, MABI, MICM
Ce rtified Fraud Examiner
Specialist in Fraud and Commercial Investigation
Member of the Fraud Advisory Panel
(Ian Younger has given his permission to use his name)
