Scam callers

[Anonymous]

I recieved 2 phone calls- on the 4th and the 5th of April this week- one was a 01908 number and the other was an 0843 number. They only rang for about 5 seconds before hanging up, so I did not answer the calls or ring them back. I decided to block both numbers on my phone as I have been told from friends that they are suspected spam calls that call you and if you answer leave you hanging on the phone - next bill you will recieve is in excess of £300 thanks to these unwanted calls. 

My question is- seeing as I have had this number for a few years now and I only give this number out to certain people I trust- how do they manage to obtain my number? It's a vast invasion of privacy plus the added cost of a very expensive phone bill if you get scammed! 

Any advice on what to do next please- I can't contact 02 online for a chat to report this unless you fork out more money for an upgrade etc. Do I send a letter to Head Office to make them aware of what has happened plus make a complaint about how my privacy and my bank balance is compromised as I am apprehensive about my next monthly bill!

Any input would be welcome!

[madasaf1sh]

Its quite easy to get a spreadsheet, and put every number say from 07xxx 000001 to 07xxx 999999 and then get an auto dialler to do the work for you. No mobile number is private as they can be easily be guessed.

If you don't answer and don't return the call you can't be charged.

The scammers will expect to get a return rate of 1%..

Not sure why reporting to o2 would cost you money for an upgrade... and I wouldn't worry about your bank account being comprimised...

[gmarkj · Accepted solution]

First check your contact/marketing preferences are correct.
Log in to the My o2 website.
Click on your phone number.
At the top below the main o2 banner are a number of drop downs, including Manage My Device. Hover over that and then choose Contact Preferences.
3rd party offers is probably the one you want to be off as this is when o2 allow "select partners" to have your details.

[MI5]

You're panicking over nothing.
Block, delete, ignore - job done!

[Anonymous]

As above block/ignore and all will be fine.