Fwd: Emails from colleagues at work about xmas scams to look out for

Begin forwarded message:

 

 
 
We have been advised of a telephone fraud currently in operation
(this
> > applies to home and/or work telephones - land lines and mobiles):
> >
> >  If you do 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 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 will be £260.
> >
> >  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 press
9;
> > even safer is to HANG UP on any unsolicited 'free offer' call. This
> > appears to be a variation on a theme, warnings have been sent
> > previously regarding calls made by individuals claiming to be
> > engineers conducting a test on the line and asking for 9, 0# and
text
> > messages similar to the routine described above. DO NOT DIAL 9 (OR
> > 9,0# OR 0,9#) FOR ANYONE!  BT has been contacted and confirmed the
> > details as being true.
> >
> >  There is another scam operating on Mobile Phones.
> >
> >  A Missed Call comes up. The number is 0709 020 3840. The last four
>numbers
> > may vary but certainly the first four numbers 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 on to your family and friends.