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Premium rate phone numbers

Apologies if this has already been aired elsewhere (I did a quick search and couldn't find a matching thread).

In the past month we have received two messages, one on our landline and one on my wife's mobile, telling us that we've one big prizes in a draw.

The first was from Nicky Fisher of 'Jackpot Promotions' teling us we'd one anything from a DVD player to £15,000 in cash. All we had to do was either ring her back on extension 5403 or phone a £1.50 per minute premium rate number. The message actually sounded very genuine. It was only when we listened second time that we realised that Ms Fisher had not left her own phone number, only the premium rate one.

I looked up Jackpot Promotions on Google and came across a discussion forum which detailed exactly what had happened to us, even down to the name and extension number! It confirmed it is a scam.

The second message we received was left on my wife's mobile telling us we had won £5000 and to ring an 0871 number to claim. The prerecorded message on the 0871 number asked you to either call back in office hours (and ask for one of three named individuals) or, you've guessed it, phone a premium rate number. When I tried this morning to call the 0871 number again the number had been discontinued.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Sorry, but I just could not believe that anyone who uses this 'moneysaving expert' site would seriously do anything other than hang up on any call that tells you that "You are a lucky winner - please call us"!!
    Bet is was a recorded message too!
    Even phoning 0871 puts money into their pockets, so why do it?
    No wonder there are so many 'scammers', you demonstrate there are rich pickings out there for them ??? :'(
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    They are still active I had a call today - exactly the same message !
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I HAVE ALSO RECEIVED A CALL TODAY!!

    SO THEY ARE STILL GOING.

    HOW CAN THESE CALLS BE STOPPED!??!

    >:( >:( >:( ??? :'( >:( >:(
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • I also received a call from nicky fisher. Infact I have now had two calls stating that I had won a big prize. This is a complete con. I searched the web and came across a site where people were complaining about this scam, some people had rung the premium rate number and surprise surprise they had all won the same prize! A 7 day cruise to the Bahamas all you had to do was send an sae to claim. One person sent an sae out of curiosity and received the details of the prize. It was only for one person and if you wanted to take another person with you it would cost £799 each.So much for a free Holiday! I imagine you would also have to pay hidden costs, so would end up paying over the odds for this holiday anyway even if only one person went.
    This is a complete SCAM. Do not fall for it.
    I have complained to ICSTIS - this is the regulatory body for all premium rate charged services. They have the power to shut these scammers down. So if you get one of these calls - report them to ISCTIS. All you need to do is fill an online form out. One important thing to remember though is the number that the scammer told you to call as ICSTIS may need this in order to investigate.
  • COS
    COS Posts: 550 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Photogenic Combo Breaker
    You may be interested in this link as there is a link on it to complain the others are also worth having to hand

    http://www.clik2complaints.co.uk/clik2links.html
    Rememember. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
    Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
    If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know
    when, You might need them to empty your bedpan.
  • COS
    COS Posts: 550 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Photogenic Combo Breaker
    I HAVE ALSO RECEIVED A CALL TODAY!!

    SO THEY ARE STILL GOING.

    HOW CAN THESE CALLS BE STOPPED!??!

    >:( >:( >:( ??? :'( >:( >:(


    Try this link I registered last week and also the mail preference service

    http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/tps/confirm/de7cdc44efa30c7a0823063096b51b20
    Rememember. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
    Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
    If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know
    when, You might need them to empty your bedpan.
  • Paul_Varjak
    Paul_Varjak Posts: 4,627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    I am registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) but these 'scam artists' never bother to use TPS.

    So if anyone rings or sends a text message about any prize or anything they are selling I assume it's a scam!

    If anyone rings offering something for sale, just say you are not interested (politely). If someone sends a text message - delete it! It's as simple as that!!!
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I recieved the same call on July 12th 2004. Despite being naturally sceptical, I actually went along with it out of curiousity, and became more sceptical!

    It's the personal touch that draws you in, though, yes, you notice that only the premium number is given. I vaguely remember entering some competition for the main prize (co-incidence?) so that it might be that!

    Yes, delete all emails, texts and answerphone messages that claim you have won something, in all likelihood you are about to be scammed!
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
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