Ok, sorry for my blunt "no" message. That was to help you guys not panic
Please check these things with ICSTIS if in any doubt. They have
information about it somewhere on their web site which I found in around
December when I fell for this hoax myself. The problem was caused by some
well meaning copper in I think Wiltshire constabulary who got all bent out
of shape about it and created a useless and incorrect press release.
BT and ICSTIS state categorically that there is precisely NO possibility of
this happening. And even if it could there is no premium rate number that
can charge more than published rates.
However, different BT people will tell you different things, ranging from
"Yes, this happened to a friend of mine" (incorrect, it did not) to "This is
technically possible (no, it is not and the engineer should have known
better) to the correct answer; "This is a hoax".
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Justice, Sally A
Sent: 10 June 2005 11:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Phone Fraud - Warning from the Police
POLICE WARNING. PLEASE READ.
Phone Fraud - Warning from the Police
11 May 2005
We have been advised of a telephone fraud currently in operation -this
applies to home and work telephones, landlines and mobiles. If you receive
one of these calls, upon answering the telephone you will hear a recorded
message congratulating you on winning an all expenses trip to an exotic
location You will then be asked to press 9 to hear further details. If you
press 9 you will be connected to a premium rate line that costs
approximately £20 per minute. Even if you disconnect immediately, it will
remain connected for a minimum of 5 minutes costing around £ 100. The final
part of the call involves you being asked to key in your postcode and house
number, which has other serious consequences. After a further 2 minutes you
will receive a message informing you that you are not one of the lucky
winners. The total bill by then will be £100. Since the calls are
originating from outside the UK, BT and other telephone companies are left
relatively powerless to act. The only safe solution is to HANG UP before the
message prompts you to dial 9, even safer HANG UP on any unsolicited 'free
offer calls'.
There is another scam operating on mobile phones as well. A missed call
comes up. The number is 0709 020 3840, the last four numbers may vary, but
certainly the first four will remain the same. If you call this number back
you will be charged £50 per minute. People have complained about their phone
bills, once they have realised the cost of the call, but apparently this is
completely legal. So beware, do not call back numbers beginning with '0709'.
PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ONTO YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS.
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If you wish to leave this list please send the command
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