TOT warns of phone bill scams

BANGKOK, 15 February 2010 (NNT) – State-run telecommunications service provider the TOT Public Company Limited warns of scammers operating through SMS asking for payments on a past-due bill.

According to numerous complaints made with the TOT Contact Center 1100, the victims have reported they received automated calls from an “unknown number” reminding the call receiver of an unpaid fee, with the similar message sent through SMS. The receiver was then connected through the caller identified themselves as a TOT official who asked for the receiver’s name and identification. The call receiver was later asked to transfer the past-due fee, claiming that the case will be brought to court if unpaid.

The TOT Public Company advises customers to avoid sharing personal details, and stresses that their system of contacting their customers is only through landline.