School ICT News Bulletin No. 241 - 18/07/2014

Published by ICT Shared Services

Telephone Fraudsters operating in Norfolk - Urgent action needed

We have been informed by Fineline Communications that 'fraudsters' are targeting School Telephone Systems in the East Anglia area.

Put simply; The 'fraudsters' are calling into School Phone Systems at night or over the weekend, and by using a series of codes (of which we are unable to establish through the manufacturer at this time) are then dialling out on a 2nd line, to previously set up 'Premium Rate' or 'International Premium Rate' Telephone Numbers.

The subsequent affect has been unexpectedly high telephone bills by those targeted, and in extreme circumstances, school telephone lines have been barred from making all outgoing calls until the bill has been paid.

Action required

As a precaution, we recommend that you email your line provider (Details can be found on your Telephone Bill) and request that 09 (Premium Rate) and 00 (International Rate Calls) numbers be barred on all of your telephone lines.

How will this barring affect daily tasks?

Some franking machines may be affected. BT Directory enquiry numbers will be barred e.g. 118. We suggest using an alternative directory source such as www.Yell.com (yellow pages on line).

We have been made aware of 2 schools that have been affected by these calls with charges several hundred pounds. If you have already been affected please notify the police and

Citizens Advice Consumer Service as follows:

• By phoning 08454 04 05 06 during office hours on weekdays or
• By visiting their website at www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer where a wide range of advice and an online form is available.

Author: ICT Shared Services

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ESPRESSO SERVICE

Contracts for the Espresso service are due for renewal on 31^st August 2014.  We would like to inform you that we are currently in negotiation with Espresso but due to the potential changes to the delivery method this time round, the negotiations are taking a little longer than normal.  You can be assured that these discussions will be concluded through the summer and your renewal pricing communicated out in late August.  Espresso have given their assurance that normal service will remain on 1^st September 2014 and they will be writing to you promptly for your renewal decision to ensure continuous service post September.

Author: ICT Shared Services