BT Scam

[tjh290633]

As far as I can see, the numbers displayed on Caller Display are randomly generated, changing each time. This means that it is impossible to block them using the number.

The ones that I get usually have a recorded message, You can't even tell them to Go Away, or words to that effect. I've never let them rabbit on long enough to find if there is scope for further action.

TJH

[marronier]

I had one of these calls and afterwards I dialled 1471 which gave number as 01879 046 927 ( Scarinish and Tiree ).

[newlyretired]

Whilst blocking withheld and unrecognised numbers is a no-brainer...

...not if you have friends who withhold their number!

newlyretired

[swill453]

Whilst blocking withheld and unrecognised numbers is a no-brainer...

...not if you have friends who withhold their number!

Call Guardian will handle them fine though, by allowing them to announce themselves to you, with the phone only ringing after they do so.

In my experience over about three years, scammers never do this.

Scott.

[Bouleversee]

AnyDesk

Moderator Message:
Link to potential malware replaced with its name to discourage anyone from inadvertently installing it! - Chris

AFAIK it's actually legitimate remote desktop software, much like TeamViewer (another favourite of the scammers). It's the use to which the scammers would put it that is illegitimate. Still, no useful purpose in linking to it. Anyone who needs remote desktop for their own purposes would already know where to look.

Could you please elaborate on your reference to TeamViewer. I have this on my computer so I can get my son-in-law to help with computer problems; unfortunately he now travels a lot on business so is rarely available. Is there any danger from using this or having it installed?

[Bouleversee]

PlusNet also offer 1572 but these scammers just keep using different numbers as they get reported and blocked. I am supposed to have caller display as well which would enable one to disregard unrecognised numbers if wished but in fact it often just says "incoming call" even when it is my children calling on their mobiles and they say they haven't asked for their calls to be anonymous.

I continue to get a lot of the BT related scam calls (even though I am with PlusNet) and it is extremely annoying.

[yorkshirelad1]

BT could do something about these calls but clearly doesn't. They are allowing their landline customers to be put in financial danger and generally disturbed with nuisance calls AND charging their customers for such a poor service.

BT are doing something: BT's Call Protect (which is free to BT subscribers).
Although in fairness, it's a bit like trying to hold back the tide, with scammers getting more adept at spoofing CLID etc.

[ReformedCharacter]

Could you please elaborate on your reference to TeamViewer. I have this on my computer so I can get my son-in-law to help with computer problems; unfortunately he now travels a lot on business so is rarely available. Is there any danger from using this or having it installed?

I don't think you need worry, there's nothing inherently dangerous about having TV installed. On the other hand, if someone from 'BT' asks you if you have it installed and then asks for your User ID and Password...

RC

[Bouleversee]

Thanks, R.F. i was hoping that would be the answer. Am reasonably aware and would never fall for that one.

[Breelander]

Thanks, R.F. i was hoping that would be the answer. Am reasonably aware and would never fall for that one.

Yes. TeamViewer is perfectly safe as long as you only give access codes to someone you know and trust. Same applies to the 'AnyDesk' mentioned earlier.