SCAM
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 £31.00, 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 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 & 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
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. Obviously, if this scam is real, once they have your credit/debit card
details, there is nothing to stop them cleaning out your account.
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Thursday 3rd November 2009
St Andrews Church Hall, Sheringham
13:00 to 15:30 and 16:30 to 19:00
Give blood and help save a life this November
The National Blood Service (part of NHS Blood and Transplant) is asking
people to spare a mere hour of their time and help save a life, by donating blood this
month. With the clocks going back, the days getting shorter and the weather deteriorating,
the National Blood Service (NBS) would like to remind people that the need for blood never
stops and that now is the time to bring along a friend, colleague or family member to give
blood and help save lives.
Blood stocks are used up in a matter of days and with seasonal coughs and colds expected
to start soon, the NBS counts on donors continuing to step forward to donate blood now. A
single donation can be broken into three component parts (red cells, plasma and platelets)
which means that one donation can potentially save or improve the lives of up to three
people.
Joshua Ross, spokesperson for the NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We would like to
thank all our donors who dedicate their time to saving lives by attending our sessions and
giving blood. Now that half term is over we need to remind people to try and make time to
give blood. Only four per cent of those who are eligible to give blood actually do, so we
are encouraging those people to come along and donate and to ask others - who may not have
donated before - to do the same."
The NBS needs to collect 7,000 donations of blood each day to supply hospitals in England
and north Wales with the blood products needed to treat patients. Blood is used for a
wide-range of medical procedures including cancer care, general surgery, in maternity care
and for accident and emergency situations.
Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good
health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper
age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call
the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk. |
