Re: Privacy Numbers - scam?

Paul D Wrote:
> A few times recently my mobile has rung once and then stopped (no
> message
> left).
>
> Just now it happened again so I called the number back (masking my CLI
>
> first). An announcement came on: "welcome to the privacy network. That
>
> number is no longer in use". He then gave out the url of a 'privacy
> number'
> website which I won't give out lest I get accused of spamming!
>
> Basically the website gives you a free 07xxx xxx xxx number which you
> can
> then divert to your actual number. It's only for people to call you and
> it
> doesn't mask the CLI of your actual number when you dial out.
>
> God knows how much it costs to phone one of these numbers. Also, how
> can I
> have been called by a 'privacy' number when the announcement says that
> you
> can't use it to call out?
>
> Is this just a scheme/scam to tempt people into phoning the number back
> and
> then signing up for a privacy number? (I'm sure it is!).
>
> The number was 07096 809 401. Hopefully I haven't been charged an
> extortionate amount to phone it.
>
> Has anyone else had these one ring calls? Very annoying. Is there
> anything I
> can do about it?

Hi,

*ALERT - RE: PRIVACY NUMBERS SCAM*

I'm afraid that yes, it appears to be a scam. You are charged a
fortune to ring the number back. I have logged a complaint with my
'phone company and with BBC's Watchdog.

The number 07096807698 rang me twice then stopped. Like you, I thought
it might be a friend trying to reach me but when I called it I got the
same message as you did (to visit www.privacynumbers.com); however I
was charged 75p for the call and only in the second call did I realise
this. I sent an email to their contact address to complain and ask why
a number no longer in use is calling me and can I have my money back
please. I doubt I'll get it! I suggest you log a complaint with your
mobile company to start with and see what they advise.




--
C. Lewsey