Someone 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 or it would be £118 to reconnect at a later date.
He wasn’t fazed when I told him I was with Virgin media – he alleged that VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental.
I asked his name (he gave me the very ‘English’ John Peacock with a very ‘African’ accent) and phone number (0800 0800 152).
Obviously he realised I didn’t believe his story, so he offered to demonstrate that he was from BT.
I asked how and he told me to hang up and try phoning someone – he would disconnect 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 and he said credit card, there and then.
I said 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.
I dialled 1471 – number withheld. I phoned his 0800 number – not recognised.
So 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 make as many friends and family aware of this as possible.
How is it done?
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!
By the way, this is not about getting the cash, as this would not get past merchant services.
It is all about getting your credit card details, which include the security number so that it could be used for far
larger purchases. |
