Telephone Scam.....BEWARE

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BarnsleyBrewer

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Oct 17, 2008
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PLEASE READ AND PASS ON TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE
Had this sent to me via e.mail

The new telephone 'scam' has arrived.

I received a call from a 'representative' of BT,
informing me that he was disconnecting me because of an unpaid bill. He
demanded payment immediately of £31.00 , or it would be £ 118.00 to
reconnect 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 realised 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 to 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.


Please pass this on to friends and family and be on your guard.
 

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