topic Premium call scammers in Other Products and Services

Premium call scammers

MGC — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:17:50 GMT

I am based in the UK and are inundated with scam calls from premium numbers commencing 08.. ... ....; the number is always different so each time I have to block each number and delete it, and wait for the next one. 3 or 4 per day.

The scam is that if you call back, you are automatically charge for the call that the scammers presumably benefit from. I spoke to O2 and they put a premium number call bar on my account, but on reading the Ts&Cs, their definition of premium numbers only applies to numbers starting in 09..

Can anyone help?

Re: Premium call scammers

madasaf1sh — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:24:50 GMT

@MGC

There are 2 types of Premium Rate calls and these are usually in the 09 category.. The 08 numbers aren't technically classed as premium rate calls these are known as service numbers with access charges which are levied by the recipients telco and the organisation you are ringing...

All the details are here https://www.o2.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/premium-service-checker

These charges aren't set by o2 for once..

Re: Premium call scammers

MI5 — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:40:39 GMT

@MGC

A zero spend cap will stop any charges.

Re: Premium call scammers

MGC — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:44:47 GMT

Thanks, I have set the spend cap to £0, so at least I cannot get caught out.

Re: Premium call scammers

MGC — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:49:56 GMT

Thanks, I mistakenly thought 08 numbers were designated premium calls. That’s how scammers get around it.

i have also now set a £0 spend cap so at least cannot be charged to unwanted calls.

I was caught out when roaming abroad when the unwanted 08 number must have gone to voicemail and O2 levied a standard charge.

Re: Premium call scammers

MI5 — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:00:25 GMT

If possible, turn off voicemail when travelling abroad to prevent such charges.

Re: Premium call scammers

MGC — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:24:05 GMT

Update from MGC (originator) 15th March 2025

I put in a request to O2 to introduce an 08.. call barring facility to there existing range of call barring services. To give them credit, they have taken the suggestion away to consider. Adding that facility should give their customers at least the option to screen out the scammers if they wish. Whist I have also set a £0 spend cap on my monthly charges so cannot be charged for service calls, the persistent barrage of 08... scam calling (each time a different 08.. number that is computer generated and rings once or twice only) is distressing.

Re: Premium call scammers

Bambino — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:13:05 GMT

@MGC Not all numbers beginning 08 are scam numbers. 0800 is the prefix for freephone numbers, so there's no way O2 nor any other network would be able to bar them. Whoever at O2 told you they would consider your suggestion was just trying to fob you off. At the moment there's nothing you can do except to block the numbers as they come in.

Edit: There's also this site to help you negotiate 08 numbers:

SAYNOTO0870.COM - Non-Geographical Alternative Telephone Numbers

Re: Premium call scammers

madasaf1sh — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:52:16 GMT

@MGC

o2 wont be putting in a 08 call barring policy, as that would include blocking the likes of services that are needed by the most vulnerable in society... and could put people in serious risk, even by not been able to call 084 or 080 numbers...

have to agree with @Bambino o2 CS have told you what you want to hear..

Re: Premium call scammers

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:16:52 GMT

This is happening to me as well, and I don't know where they get my number from as I know not to put my mobile number online unless I have to for security/account verification purposes.

I get missed calls from unknown numbers, I ring it back (bad idea I know) to see if it's genuine job related stuff, and the numbers are nearly always unobtainable.

Re: Premium call scammers

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:21:04 GMT

There's also the premium rate £2 a message "text WIN" to blah de blah competitions on stuff like BGT or Loose Women, you have almost no chance of winning but they charge you the £2 for the privilege! These should be illegal IMO.

Re: Premium call scammers

madasaf1sh — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:16:53 GMT

I have said it lots of times before..

10minutes to generate a spreadsheet from publicly available data from OfCom, 5 minutes to put into a text service or autodialler,. then if 1% fall for the scam its a win...