In recent weeks, a phone number has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The number, 01258969444, has been linked to a series of suspicious calls, leaving many Britons frustrated and concerned. Reports from a website where users share their experiences with unknown callers reveal a troubling pattern of scams and automated messages. Here’s what we know so far.
A Wave of Suspicious Calls
The number first came to public attention in late September 2019, when multiple users reported receiving calls from 01258969444. The calls often began with a recorded message, claiming to be from well-known internet service providers such as BT or TalkTalk. The message typically warned recipients that their internet connection was at risk of being disconnected within hours unless they pressed a button to speak to an “engineer” or “advisor.”
One user recounted their experience: “I received a call from this number saying my internet would be cut off in four hours. They claimed to be from BT, but I’m not even with BT. It was clearly a scam.” Another user shared a similar story: “The automated voice said my internet service provider was about to disconnect my service. I was told to press 1 to talk to an engineer. I hung up immediately.”
The Scam Tactics
The calls appear to follow a familiar script. The automated message creates a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly. Those who press 1 are often connected to a live person who claims to be from a technical support team. In some cases, the scammer asks the victim to turn on their computer, claiming there is a problem with their internet connection or router.
One user described their interaction: “I pressed 1 and was put through to someone who said they were from BT. They told me my internet was slow because of viruses on my computer. They asked me to switch on my computer so they could guide me through fixing it. I hung up as soon as I realised it was a scam.”
A Growing Problem
The issue isn’t isolated to a handful of people. Dozens of reports have flooded in, with many users expressing frustration at the relentless nature of these calls. “I’ve had this number call me multiple times. It’s always the same recorded message about my internet being disconnected. I’ve blocked the number, but it’s infuriating that these scammers keep trying,” one user wrote.
Another user highlighted the emotional toll these calls can take: “Why do these people target OAPs? I was waiting for a delivery and thought the call might be important. When I called back, it just said ‘this number does exist.’ It’s really upsetting.”
What Can You Do?
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, advises anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately. They also recommend reporting the incident through their website. One user shared their experience of reporting the scam: “You can go to Action Fraud’s website and fill in a survey about phishing. It only takes a couple of minutes, and no personal details are required.”
For those who prefer not to engage with unknown numbers, the advice is simple: don’t answer. “I never answer calls from numbers I don’t recognise. I come straight to this website to check if others have had similar experiences. It’s a great way to avoid falling victim to these scams,” one user commented.
A Call for Action
The sheer volume of reports has led to calls for stronger action against these scams. “This has gone on long enough. It’s time for the government to step in and put a stop to this,” one frustrated user wrote. Another added: “I’m glad I voted leave. We need to get this sorted out now.”
While the origins of the calls remain unclear, the consensus among users is that the number 01258969444 is best avoided. As one user succinctly put it: “Scam. Hang up or ignore!”
Conclusion
The rise in scam calls from numbers like 01258969444 is a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant. Whether it’s an automated message about your internet or a live person claiming to be from a trusted company, it’s crucial to question the legitimacy of any unsolicited call. By sharing their experiences online, users are helping to protect others from falling victim to these scams. But as the problem persists, many are left wondering: when will it end?
For now, the advice remains clear: if you receive a call from 01258969444, don’t engage. Hang up, block the number, and report it to Action Fraud. Together, we can help put a stop to these fraudulent calls.