This is in response to an article published
in the Friday, May 14, edition headlined PhoneBusters
investigating 'Sao Tome' phone scam.
PhoneBusters say this scam has been going on
for some time now and that thousands of Canadians have fallen
victim. I wonder why it's been the best kept secret in Canada?
Why have the phone companies and Internet providers kept so
quiet about a problem that affects so many people? I think it's
because they're afraid to admit they don't know how to fix
it.
The article advises victims to call 310-Bell
to complain. Bell will tell you to contact your Internet
provider. To add insult to injury, they will also question you
about having friends or relatives living in the Sao Tome area.
At the very least, go to the top. Phone the executive offices
at 1-800-267-7734.
And, don't waste your time calling the CRTC.
All they did was advise me to call PhoneBusters. At this stage,
all PhoneBusters will do is take your name and phone number and
file your complaint.
I offered to pay the phone company to block
all international calls to my telephone. They told me they
can't be selective when blocking long distance calls. If they
block the international calls, they must also block all other
long distance calls.
I think it's about time the phone companies
and Internet providers fess up to what's going on .
Anne Shank
Sudbury