Fake phone numbers for Samaritans

Ian011

A number of chain emails are circulating on Facebook, supposedly to raise awareness of the telephone number for Samaritans.

The problem is that many of these phone numbers are fake and do not work.

The correct phone number for Samaritans is 116123. This six-digit Access Code has been operational since 2009. Calls are free-to-caller from landlines and mobiles.

Fake or incorrect phone numbers noticed so far include:
- 0800 116123
- 0845 116123
- 08457 116 123
- 0800 790 9090
- 0845 909090

Some are also circulating Samaritans old phone number, 0845 790 9090, which no longer works.

The correct phone number for Samaritans is 116123. Calls to 116123 are free-to-caller on landlines and on mobiles.

If you see a message promoting a fake phone number, please post a correction.

cifpower

This is why I don't use Facebook. Too much fakery.

Mister_G

cifpower wrote: »

This is why I don't use Facebook. Too much fakery.

Yes, I agree.

DigForVictory

This made me check what I'd circulated (just the old number) & the corrected version is now doing the rounds.
Thank you OP - I should have checked & if anyone were to actually use the info, it needs to be right!

[Deleted User]

My local branch has it's own 01 area code number.

Ian011

If every MSE visitor were to post the correct information to Facebook, it would quickly drown out the fake information.

The_Groat_Counter

Thanks Ian011.

I guess the unusual format of the Samaritans (new) phone number might well be causing the confusion.

Posting a link to the Samaritans 'Contact Us Now' webpage might help reassure those who are mistaken that the 116 123 number is genuine:

www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us

They do sterling work.

Ian011

I wonder if Missing People (116000) or Childline (116111) are having similar issues?