Local companies targeted by phone scam

Over the weekend of 5th 6th February 2011, two local companies had their telephone systems hacked into by fraudsters. The hackers exploited a weakness in the companies telephone system and entered the systems by remotely accessing the companies voice mail.

Guernsey Police are working with local telecommunications providers and strongly advise all companies to review their telephone systems and the procedures and ensure any passwords or codes are strengthened.

The hacking is taking place while the offices are closed, during a weekend and evenings. If any company has any concern about their system they should contact their telecommunications provider who will assist with any advice.

From the enquires we have made so far suggest the offenders are not based locally.

Cable & Wireless Communications is warning local businesses to be aware of the chances of their phone systems being accessed unlawfully.

The phone operator has received reports from local companies who were targeted last weekend. Individuals based overseas can attempt to access voicemail and phone systems by guessing passwords. If they gain access they then make or divert calls to premium rate or overseas lines, running up sizeable charges.

Cable & Wireless has issued this warning so that all local users of phone systems are aware of the scam. It believes that further attempts of this nature could be made at any time.

A spokesperson said that companies should be aware of the relevant security measures on their phone systems and ensure that phone system passwords within the company were not obvious, for example 0000, 1234 or the number of the extension.

“As we understand it, these occurrences are rare but we urge people to be more vigilant in the operation of their phone system. The scam is not terribly sophisticated, therefore if voicemail passwords are not easy to guess the fraudsters will be locked out and unable to proceed.

“This type of crime can incur significant financial cost to the companies targeted as any call charges incurred from these false connections will have to be paid. A few simple moves can help to eradicate this risk.”

Ross Allan, Head of Business Solutions at Wave Telecom, said:

“We take security very seriously and in light of this recent spate of hacking in the island urge our customers to be extra vigilant. Phone hacking presents a huge financial risk to businesses and a few simple steps can be very effective in mitigating the risks. We always advise customers when selecting PINs and passwords for their phone systems to apply complex sequences, however, if any of our customers are concerned that their systems may be vulnerable they can contact us for further guidance in increasing security measures for their systems.”