Premium call scammers

[MGC]

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?

[madasaf1sh]

@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..

[MI5]

@MGC 

A zero spend cap will stop any charges.

Guide: Spend Caps & Charge to Mobile on O2 

Guide: O2 BARs 

Guide: How to find help & contact O2 

[MGC]

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

[MGC]

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.

[MI5]

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

Guide: All you need to know about O2 Voicemail 901 

[MGC]

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.

[Bambino]

@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

[madasaf1sh]

@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..

[MrRichAllen1976]

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.