There's a lot of phone scams about. As a general rule, if ANYONE rings claiming to be from o2, ask them for a number to call them back. Also, ask if they can send you out written confirmation of any "offers". If they say they can't because [insert excuse] then they're bogus and hang up. Credit Card fraud is on the up so if you give them your card details along with the security 3-digit code on the back then you've been had. Here's three of the main scams:
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hoax...e+Warning+Hoax
#90/09 Cell Phone Warning Hoax
Description: Spreading via email is a hoax about a cell phone scam. It warns of a technique that some callers do to make cloning of the target cellular phone possible. Variations of this message also warns of the modus operandi carried out to get mobile phone users shoulder overseas phone expenses.
Trend Micro customers are advised to disregard and delete this email as it is a hoax.
Original Message
Occasionally, we receive alerts regarding phone scams. This type of scam works on cell and regular phone lines. Do not comply if anyone contacts you to perform "tests" on your phone system. Contact IT staff and report the incident. Thanks.
Subject: Cell Phone Scam Alert
The California Conservation Corps has received an alert that there is now the possibility of a recurring cell phone scam. A scam artist will place a call to an unsuspecting person and identify themselves as a cellular technician, and he or she is testing mobile phone circuits. The caller will then request you to dial either # 90 or # 09 to conduct a test. DO NOT COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST. HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. None of the cellular vendors would ever request a user to test a phone in this manner.
By dialing the number sequence as requested it is possible for the caller, with the right scanning equipment, to access the cell phone Subscriber Identity Module number. By accessing this number cloning of the phone may be possible.
Please be aware of this scam to assist CCC in protecting our cellular assets. Keep in mind this scam could be attempted on your personal cellular phones also, so be alert.
Please share this information with your staff and employees who utilize cellular services.
Variation 1
Do NOT push 90# on your home phone. Got a call last night from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on our telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9),zero(0), the pound sign (#) and then hang up.
Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which allows them to place long distance telephone calls billed to your home phone number.
I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many of the local jails/prisons.
DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
PLEASE pass this on to everyone YOU know.
Variation 2
Subject: MOBILE PHONE SCAM ~ WARNING
Please take note...
If you receive a text message on your mobile from the number 15477 indicating that you have won a 2 night stay in the Druid's Marriott in Wicklow, saying that they you must reply with the text "#90" or "#09", you should delete this text immediately and not reply. This is a fraud Company using a device, that once you press #90 or #09 and reply text, they can access your "SIM" card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as you can to stop it.
Variation 3
Dear All,
We have been informed by O2, our Mobile Phone service provider, of a current telephone hoax. The hoax relates to work and home phones (mobile and land-line phones).
The hoax operates as follows.... Your phone rings and you receive a recorded message: "Congratulations. We are calling to advise you that you have won an all expenses paid trip to an exotic destination. Please press 9 now to hear further details."
You get a call saying you have won a holiday and asking you to press 9 for further details.
If you press 9, you'll be connected to a premium line that bills in the region of £20 per minute.
If you press 9 and connect, even if you disconnect immediately, the other end will stay connected for a minimum of 5 minutes - at a cost to you of £100 - the message lasts for 11 minutes.
The final part of the call asks you to key in your postcode and house number (which has other serious considerations) and then, after a wait of a further two minutes, responds with the message:
"Sorry, you are not one of the lucky winners." and disconnects, adding a further £260 to your bill!
Unfortunately the calls are originating from outside the U.K. and as such the service providers are relatively powerless to act.
The only safe solution is to hang up before the message prompts you to press 9.
Sent on behalf of
Karen Mackay
Mobile Phone Dept
