Warning after BT phone scam

Fraudsters pretending to be from various phone companies have been calling people in Norfolk on the pretence that they have an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line if they do not pay up.

Fraudsters pretending to be from various phone companies have been calling people in Norfolk on the pretence that they have an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line if they do not pay up.

William George, from Cantley, near Acle, is one of those who was targeted and is urging people to be on their guard.

'The man said he was from BT and that I had one month line rental outstanding which must be paid immediately or I would be cut off, even though I am not with them,' he said.

'When I asked how I could be sure he was genuine he said he would disconnect my line and then reconnect it and call me back. The line went dead and so I handed over my payment details.'

The police are investigating.

A BT spokesman said they never carry out disconnections during the call by way of proof.

He said: 'We advise customers never to give out any banking details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain who they are dealing with. If there is any doubt at all, a BT employee will be able to give the customer their employee ID number and an 0800 number to call, where the customer can check that they are who they say they are.'