Phone Scam

A new telephone scam has started where people are called and told they will be disconnected due to an unpaid bill by someone pretending to be a BT representative. The 'rep' then asks for payment over the phone using a credit/debit card and when this is declined, they offer to demonstrate that they are genuine by asking the person to hang up and try phoning somebody and the 'rep' will prevent this by disconnecting the line. To do this, the 'rep' stays on the line with the mute button on so the person cannot dial out and believes they have been disconnected and then the 'rep' cuts off the call (because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it) and immediately calls the person back. The 'rep' is unfazed by people saying their phone is with a different provider to BT and responds saying that all providers have to pay a percentage to BT for line rental. A false number for BT - 0800 0800 152 - is also given.

Please ensure you are aware of this scam as there have been a number of cases and its simplicity could easily fool people - some people might not even realise they have been tricked until it is too late and victims have given out their credit/debit card details.