SMS messages ? a scam

Katykat

I have been getting some odd phone calls on my landline. The phone rings & an automated voice says that I have received an SMS message & to press a key to retrieve it. I have never retrieved any of these messsages because I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that this is a scam & I'll be charged an astronomical fee if I do, but I cant remember the details. I did consider if someone I know has sent a message to my landline, mistaking it for my mobile, but apart from everyone denying it, it has happened too often. I usually get 2 calls about 10 mins apart. I now just hang up as soon as I hear the automated voice.
has anyone else experienced this & if so, is it a scam?

trevormax

You can get text messages sent to your landline and if I remember correctly, an odd synthetic voice will read it to you.

Link here with info on the service and how to shut it off : http://www.filesaveas.com/bttext.html

omen666

Yes as the above poster states you can get these sent normally to your landline, the reason for the call back if not listened to is to make you aware they are there pending, what if one was sent and you were out the house? You would never know you had one waiting if it never called you back again

trisontana

I get these from my dentist to remind me about appointments. And just to dispel an urban myth, you won't be charged an "astronomical fee" if you answer any phone call, be it voice mail or text.

Katykat

Thanks folks, I've rung the BT service & switched it off altogether. I do get some great advice on this site.

Mankysteve

Personally i would leave it on. As in an emergy a text message get sometime get though when a phone call can't, for example in mountain areas. Just don't ring anything back that has a premum rate number attached.

lyndon13

Just received a sms on my Landline saying "my first name you have an unpaid debt call phillip or phillips to settle" with a ref. number. The call came from 08445593711.
I will not phone them as I have never heard of them. Anyone know who they are or is it another Scam.

CHR15

The number is mentioned here

http://www.telepest.co.uk/Phillips

Info

08445593711 has been reported as a possible telepest!