LONG-DISTANCE TELEPHONE FRAUD INCREASING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Burnaby, B.C. – BC TEL is advising companies and organizations in British Columbia to beware of long-distance telephone fraud.

The latest type of phone fraud to hit the province involves criminals who make calls to businesses in the Lower Mainland and other major centres in B.C. from New York City phone booths using stolen long-distance calling card numbers.

"In recent weeks, these fraud artists have contacted switchboard operators at various companies and impersonated telephone company staff," says Vern Lillies, BC TEL's corporate security director. "They ask to be transferred to an outgoing line in order to do testing. In many cases, the operators agree. From there, these fraud artists proceed to make a number of long-distance calls which are then billed back to the B.C. companies."

Lillies says knowledge is the most effective weapon in combatting long-distance telephone fraud: "If you know your enemy and their tactics, you can then take a defensive line of action to protect your organization."

"Our employees do not call switchboard operators or receptionists to test phone lines," Lillies adds. "If you get a phone call from someone claiming to work with BC TEL and requesting an outgoing line, ask for a call-back number and an employee identification number. That usually deters any fraud artist from pursuing the matter further."

BC TEL is also advising customers to ensure their telephone systems are not configured to allow outsiders to access business lines. Business customers who want to report an incident of fraud or need more information can contact their BC TEL account representative or call 1-800-972-7284.