"Government program to cut debt" - is this a scam?

katerinasol

Hello everyone, first time poster here. Recently I have been getting calls from the number 01612416819 about a "government program that will help you cut down on debt". From what they have said, it's the same as a DMP where they contact lenders and ask to freeze interest etc, but I do not remember signing up for anything like this. I have a suspicion that my number was given out to companies when I applied for a Vanquis card (turned it down in the end) as I have also had loads of phone calls and texts offering me loans.

Has anyone else had phone calls like this? Is it legit or should I report them somewhere?

RAS

This is a scam. There is a whole thread on thiese sort of companies. What is their name?

katerinasol

RAS wrote: »

This is a scam. There is a whole thread on thiese sort of companies. What is their name?

I didn't catch their name, all I have is the phone number.

What is the point of the scam? As far as I remember, they mentioned that it was a free service, the thing that made me suspicious was that the government isn't usually that keen to offer services, usually you have to request them yourself.

Gordon_Hose

Loads of reports here: http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/01612416819

katerinasol

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

Loads of reports here: [link]

Definitely bookmarking that site. Should probably report them too!

Gordon_Hose

When I get a call from a number I don't recognise, I always put it into that site! It's good, it gives you a good idea who it is that's pestering you, and generally what it is they want.

ailsajayne29

I've been getting loads of these calls recently and off lots of DMP companie who want to charge me loads of money! The last one I had to hang up on, I explained I was with Payplan as politely as I could, he then proceeded to rant at me that Payplan are in the pocket of the creditors and I'll end up in debt for longer... even tho all of my money goes to my creditors, not £100 - 15% or whatever offer they were trying to do me!
The majority of them claim there is government legislation that lets you write off 75% of your debt, but cant ever tell me the excat legislation, then frequently pass me over to One-debt solution, whose only aim is to get your PPi back! with no guarentee that they can... in the mean time they will suspend your payments to your creditors while they look into it, all the while taking your money and the percentage off the top.... scam artists for definite!

Does anyone know if there is a way to get your mobile blocked? I am getting so many of these calls I'm starting to think I should change my mobile number!