h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've had this email passed on to me by a friend, it could be a possible true scam or it could be a hoax mail?. Either way, I'm putting it here just in case it's for real....



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 V.M 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 and 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 and he said credit card, there and 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 B.T. He hung up.
I dialed 1471 - number withheld
I phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognized., 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 & family aware of this.
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 B.T 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.

Actually, this isn't a hoax. I've received one of these calls from an Indian gentleman called 'Martin'.

I demanded to know how he got my number and he disconnected the call!


lil x

love

err! it's for real folks

I had one earlier this month from someone claiming to be the Sky PCM department so called 'updating' their records and wanting me to confirm my personal details over the phone. I told them if they were really Sky to write to me (they weren't, they asked if I was my father, who died in 2003, and his name was never on the Sky subscription, it was always me). I them rang Sky to let them know what had happened (not an easy task in itself), they confirmed it wasn't them but they do have a PCM department (I should have asked them what it stood for, I still don't know). They are going to make the department aware that someone is pretending to be them. Apparently PCM do make calls to update records but will always know someones viewing card number to verify who they are.

Whenever I get someone cold calling me I always respond the same way now, "Prove it". If you say it as soon as someone starts their "I'm from so and so" routine it throws them off straight away. If they can't prove it tell them to put it in writing but don't give them an address. If they say they need to have have an address to send you proof I say "Well it's not your lucky day then is it?" and hang up on them. I rarely get called back again.

Even my bank don't bother calling me any more since I ask them to prove who they are and refuse to confirm over the phone that I am who they think they are calling. I don't care that they only deal with phone calls in that department and don't send out letters, that's their problem not mine. I didn't ask to be called so I don't see why I should fit in with their way of running their business. If their way means I have to give any details over the phone, even confirming my name, they need to change their system, and until they do, I shall continue to demand proof from callers of their identity before I give them anything about mine.

You can keep up with the latest scams here:

http://www.scam.com/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/series/scam-watch

(other scam sites are available)

http://www.quackwatch.com/ is worth a look too.

I tend to ask "How did you get this number?" and I've started to get the odd experience of cold callers putting the phone down on me! Not that I'm complaining...

F1926355?thread=5478302


another way

Radox - I'm going to recommend your advice to my parents, mum is completely deaf but sometimes answers the phone! I'm not always here to field some of these types of calls so suggesting to her that real people would write will work fine.

It's a great idea! Thanks

Just got a note about this scam playing here in Southern California, with the added specialness of having someone collect cash payments at your house, in Pasadean, CA.

D'oh -- "Pasadena, CA"

I assume the police know, but that's awful.

That's who sent out the warning. Pasadena rocks, quite aside from the annual Rose Bowl and parade. They're also very pro-active for disaster preparedness.