Dodgy call from 01733 507842 - claiming to Bank of Scotland

matty17r

Just had this call asking for security details to be given over the phone. Declined and rang BOS straight away who checked up on it and said nothing to do with them. So beware!

Ken68

Hi Matt...my 'dodgy' call was from Brighton...didn't ask anything confidential but wanted to confirm the number of accounts I had with BoS.
The caller said she was responsible for validating all accounts for BoS, Halifax and Lloyds.
Bank of Scotland couldn't or wouldn't tell me if they had a Brighton office.

matty17r

All very scary. My lady called sadaf usman sounded very convincing. Lucky I am on the ball but I really worry about vulnerable people.

Ken68

Know what you mean Matt....HSBC scare me.
Sister lives in Peterborough will ask her to discreetly investigate your dodgy phone number.

gunsandbanjos

01733 is a weird area code, I think it is generic and isn't area specific?

I'm in Edinburgh and incidentally work for a bank, my direct dial had that 'area' code.

Gers

Lloyds Bank phone number is also a 01733 one.

Found this:

UK area code 01733 is for Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, and the surrounding area.

Locations using 01733 numbers include:

Castor
Crowland
Eye
Glinton
Knarr Cross
Mereside
Newborough
Ortons
Peterborough
Thorney
Turves
Werrington
Westwood
Whittlesey
Yaxley

Be aware that while most 01733 numbers are for Peterborough landlines, they can also be used for services such as VOIP and virtual numbers without any physical link to the area

http://www.area-codes.org.uk/01733.php

Katiehound

Halifax also have an 01733 number which is the one I generally use. I know sometimes you get put through to their Leeds office, think it also connects with their call centre in Hamilton.

xHannahx

Ken68 wrote: »

Hi Matt...my 'dodgy' call was from Brighton...didn't ask anything confidential but wanted to confirm the number of accounts I had with BoS.
The caller said she was responsible for validating all accounts for BoS, Halifax and Lloyds.
Bank of Scotland couldn't or wouldn't tell me if they had a Brighton office.

Lloyds mailings has a BN postcode for the return address on the envelope.

Dialling codes used by call centres do not reflect there location, one I worked in was London based but our outbound dialling lines were all Birmingham and Manchester numbers

At a guess it could well be Lloyds as they have 01733 numbers on their website suggesting using that dial code for one of their call centres,

http://www.lloydsbank.com/banking-with-us/ways-to-bank-with-us/phonebank.asp

If you need to reach us from abroad or prefer not to use our 0345 number, you can call us on 01733 347 007.

patientperson

When I get any of these dubious calls I use the following website:

http://who-called.co.uk/Number

Often I am not the first to search a number .. comments can be interesting.

Steve_xx

You shouldn't be giving that much credence to ANY phone number that is presented on your telephone. Telephone numbers can be spoofed and it is possible for fraudsters to present their calling line identity as appearing to be a legitimate bank telephone number.


Certainly, no bank will ever ask you to divulge details of your security arrangements over the phone and if they do then you should immediately be suspicious. You should hang up, and then call your bank, preferably from another phone than the one you received the suspect call on. If you don't have another phone, ie a mobile, then use your phone to call a Freefone number, any Freephone number so long as you know the name of the company you are expecting to answer, so that you know that the fraudsters have been disconnected from your phone line. Sometimes fraudsters can hold your line open while you think you are calling your bank, when in fact it is the fraudsters who will answer you. It will not be beyond the scope of fraudster to play a recording of the dial tone so that you think your line has been cleared! Hence my advice to you phone a freefone number before you call your legitimate bank.

[Deleted User]

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

01733 is a weird area code, I think it is generic and isn't area specific?

Nothing weird about it, it is definitely the Peterborough area code. I've lived here all my life.

HBOS do (or definitely did) have an office in Worldwide House in Peterborough (along with Churchill insurance and Admiral ins). I worked within sight of the monstrosity for a few years.

I'm not saying the call is legit but it would make sense to have a call from an 01733 number.