Bhoona
04-12-2003, 21:24
I've received this from a reliable source...
We have just been notified by ntl of a particularly costly telephone scam
which applies to work and home phones (including mobile phones). They have
advised us that the scam is genuine, BT are aware of this and are currently
investigating.
The scenario is:- Your phone rings and you receive a recorded message:
"Congratulations. We are calling to advise you that you have won an all
expenses paid trip to an exotic destination. Please press 9 now to hear
further details." If you press 9, you'll be connected to a premium line that
bills in the region of £20 per minute. If you press 9 and connect, even if
you disconnect immediately, the other end will stay connected for a minimum
of 5 minutes - at a cost to you of £100 - the message lasts for 11 minutes.
The final part of the call asks you to key in your postcode and house number
(which has other serious considerations) and then, after a wait of a further
two minutes, responds with the message; "Sorry, you are not one of the lucky
winners." and disconnects, adding a further £260 to your bill !
Unfortunately the calls are originating from outside the U.K. and as such BT
and other providers are relatively powerless to act. The only safe solution
is to hang up before the message prompts you to press 9.
Could we remind everyone to be extra vigilant and please don't get caught
they out !
We have just been notified by ntl of a particularly costly telephone scam
which applies to work and home phones (including mobile phones). They have
advised us that the scam is genuine, BT are aware of this and are currently
investigating.
The scenario is:- Your phone rings and you receive a recorded message:
"Congratulations. We are calling to advise you that you have won an all
expenses paid trip to an exotic destination. Please press 9 now to hear
further details." If you press 9, you'll be connected to a premium line that
bills in the region of £20 per minute. If you press 9 and connect, even if
you disconnect immediately, the other end will stay connected for a minimum
of 5 minutes - at a cost to you of £100 - the message lasts for 11 minutes.
The final part of the call asks you to key in your postcode and house number
(which has other serious considerations) and then, after a wait of a further
two minutes, responds with the message; "Sorry, you are not one of the lucky
winners." and disconnects, adding a further £260 to your bill !
Unfortunately the calls are originating from outside the U.K. and as such BT
and other providers are relatively powerless to act. The only safe solution
is to hang up before the message prompts you to press 9.
Could we remind everyone to be extra vigilant and please don't get caught
they out !