bt phone scam

[robson (chris)]

i have jus come across this and thught i would let you know about it

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 - 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 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.
Elaine

[handyman [Alan}]

we've had this happen up here in the midlands as well. my response to the guy was to send me the invoice to the business address and i would get our accounts dept to deal with it. [i don't have such a business - - but he didn't know that!]

strangely he tried various ways to not go down that route!! -- be insistent and do not give out card details over the phone.

local police informed.

[DIGGA]

MANY THANKS FOR THE TIP OFF ROBBO MATE ,,, I WILL  HAVE A FEW  SELECT  WORDS TO SAY IF THEY  PHONE HERE ,,,,,,,,,  JUST BE MY LUCK  IT  WILL  ACTUALLY  BE THE   REAL  BT   AND THEY WILL CUT ME OFF  ANYWAY   FOR  ABUSIVE LANGUAGE   

[ROMAN STEVE]

Thanks a lot for that

[zorro]

robson thanks for the heads up mate