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SeanD
Community Manager - Retired

on ‎29-10-2019 12h32

15,785 Views
Message 1 of 1

Be aware of scams - What to look out for and how to spot a scam

Hi Community,

Scams are a massive problem and they are becoming more and more prevalent in every day life.  If you haven't experienced a scam attempt personally you may well know somebody who has.  Scams can vary in their effectiveness but they are getting more and more sophisticated.  

We have put together some advice and guidance around scams and what to look out for:  

 

Scam calls

What is it?

A scheme to con people out of their personal details and money

How to spot it?

Popular scenarios include:

  • Asking for payment for a bill to avoid disconnection
  • Virus or broadband issue
  • Fault with line or router

What can you do about it?

If the fraudster is pretending to be from BT and a) has taken over your PC remotely OR b) bank details have been compromised, contact your bank first and then contact BT if you would like to discuss this further

If none of the above:

  • BT Call protect is a free service that controls and prevents unwanted calls
  • Report the call on bt.com/scams 
  • BT advanced handset screens calls
  • For mobile calls check your app store for call blocking apps

What is BT doing about it?

We use the data collected on bt.com/scams and call protect blacklists to investigate and infiltrate scammers

 

 

Phishing email
What is it?

A type of online identity theft, where fraudsters use emails designed to look as though they're from genuine companies
How to spot it?

The fraudster could be asking:

  • For personal details like passwords and bank details
  • To click a link or open an attachment that could download a virus
What can you do about it?
  • Forward the email to phishing@bt.com then delete it
  • If a suspicious link was clicked or attachment opened/downloaded then run a virus check on your computer
  • If bank details were given out then contact your bank immediately and change your online banking passwords
  • BT Web protect is a free service that helps protect you from viruses, scams and phishing
  • BT Virus protect is free on BT broadband and gives protection against viruses, spyware, phishing scams and other internet threats.
What is BT doing about it?

BT actively looks for phishing sites that are using the BT brand. We work with web browsers to show warning screens. We constantly work across the internet to get these sites removed as quickly as possible

 

 

Smishing (SMS)
What is it?

Phishing through text message
How to spot it?

Examples:

  • Instruction to go to a URL
  • Make a payment on a link
  • Call a specific number
What can you do about it?

Don’t respond to the text

Think before taking action:

  • is it out of the blue?
  • If in any doubt contact the organisation through their reputable contact details
  • Forward the text to 7726 (an easy way to remember this is that it spells out SPAM on the keypad)
  • BT Virus protect is free on BT broadband and gives protection against viruses, spyware, phishing scams and other internet threats.
What is BT doing about it?

We use all data collected to investigate and infiltrate scammers

 

 

Spam call
What is it?

Telemarketing, sales calls
How to spot it?

Examples:

  • Surveys to gather data
  • Advertising offers and promotions
What can you do about it?

Register with BT Privacy at home to get TPS (Telephone preference scheme) and free caller display

Call protect is a free service that controls and prevents unwanted calls

Change marketing preferences with BT and other companies

Smartphones (Mobile) are able to block certain numbers – refer to user guide

 

 

Spoofing
What is it?

Email - where a "from" address is forged, it could be your email address being used.

Calls – Caller ID shows different number to actual Calling Line Identification (CLI)
How to spot it?
  • Hover over the 'from' field and the 'to' field on the email address to check for forgery
  • Never rely on caller ID as sole verification when giving out info
What can you do about it?

Never give out personal information in response to an incoming call, particularly if the caller asks you to carry out an action which might have financial consequences.

If someone rings you asking for this information, don't provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement

Report the call on bt.com/scams

What is BT doing about it?

We use all data collected to investigate and infiltrate scammers

 

For more information please check out our scam pages from this link BT: Scam advice

Keep safe everyone

Cheers

Sean

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