Don't call back 0709 numbers

rbakker

Looking at recent posts, it seems the scammers have moved from 0711 to 0709 numbers... if indeed this is a scam at all.

It certainly feels like it: my mobile rang twice and then stopped. The missed call listed an 0709 number. I called back and got to hear some classical music while they "tried to locate my contact" at three different locations. I hung up, noted my balance and called again, hanging up alomost immediately. That 3 seconds cost me 20p so it's probably a 20p a minute number.

Reading about this on the web it seems these 0709 numbers can be set up like 0870 numbers; they're not premium rate but they can be nice little earners, and there's much less regulating involved.

My tip: if it's an 0709 (or 0711) number, don't call back. If it's important enough and genuine, they'll call YOU back.

rbakker

I just called Ofcom about this, they told me that nothing can be done about it as these scams are usually run from overseas and their jurisdiction is within the UK only. They could not tell me of any government body that would be able to do anything.

I think I'll move overseas and set up my own scam then!

shrek101

Best thing I ever did was go X directory I rarely get nuisance phone calls only usually from companies I unfortunately gave my number to like MBNA (interested in CC insurance)

Now I wish some of these idiots that knock on the door trying to sell electric/gas can actually learn to read, how they fail to notice the warning at the door that I dont want cold callers.

pricefighter

rbakker wrote:

I just called Ofcom about this, they told me that nothing can be done about it as these scams are usually run from overseas and their jurisdiction is within the UK only. They could not tell me of any government body that would be able to do anything.

I think I'll move overseas and set up my own scam then!

Was it an 07090 74xxxx number if so these come from a company called Switchcall,who are the subject of an investigation by Ofcom.

andy88_2

I reported another operation to Ofcom and they certainly didn't say they could do nothing

Thank you for drawing this matter to Ofcom’s attention. We will look into this matter further and take action if we find that the firm in question has acted in breach of the General Conditions of Entitlement. As a result of sections 96 and 97 of the Act, Ofcom now has the power to impose financial penalties against firms that breach the General Conditions of Entitlement.

As they already fined several derivatives of the provider involved, I think they mean business

BFG_2

andy88 wrote:

As they already fined several derivatives of the provider involved, I think they mean business

Wrong, just coz Ofcom fines a company, doesn't mean anything.
1. The company owners just disappear (usually false directors names anyway, or an overseas company)
2. They have already had the money from the telcom provider
(ofcom wants to telecoms companies to delay payment to the scammers, but can't get it thru)
3. The scammers don't pay the fine.
4. Ofcom then either drops the case or spends money going to court and at the end of the day the scammers have no assets/cash to be seized, so company just folds and Ofcom get nowt!
5. Don't think Ofcom can do anything overseas...

It's a licence to print money and the watchdog has no teeth???

themadbird

I've got an 0709 number - it's my yac number - people can contact me wherever I am if they need me. I know it costs a little more than standard rate but it's only for emergencies in my case so I don't think it's too bad.

Heinz

.... costs a little more than standard rate....

Standard rate is 3p/minute but calling YAC 0709 numbers costs 37.5p/minute - that's not a little more, that's TWELVE AND A HALF TIMES (1250%) THE COST.

ableandy

According to their website, a YAC Number is used as stated below:


Why ask your contacts or customers to remember multiple numbers, when you can have just one personal number for all your incoming calls and faxes that will find you wherever you are? Ideal for individuals and small businesses, a Yac Number ensures that you never miss a call – whether you are in the office, at home, on the road or travelling abroad.

Yac Number's customers include:

Busy professionals - travelling in the UK and internationally who wish to receive calls from the UK
Emergency Support Services - Yac Number's hunt group facility is a reliable way of ensuring that on-call or emergency support staff remain contactable at all times
Trades people - who are out on jobs but need to be available to existing and potential customers by telephone during the day – but who do not wish to give out their private mobile phone number for business
Individuals in larger organisations that need a personal contact number which will locate them no matter where they are e.g. sales people, support engineers
People who travel - who need to stay in touch with family and friends at home
Anybody who wishes to stay in touch with their UK contacts and customers, no matter where they are in the world

UKays_Finest

I just got a missed call from an 0706 number.

Does anyone know whether this is also a scam? I assume it is since the prefix has the same format, bar the last digit being different.

If anyone could shed some light on this, would be much appreciated.

PS. Googling yielded no information.

hjb123

If I have a strange number to my mobile phone I always google it to see if it comes up - it has done on more than one occasion - once it came up that it was for a mobile phone company that wants you to change your contract!

There is also the following website that can be used to check how much a call will cost if its a non geographical number - ie. not starting 01

http://www.onetel.co.uk/index.php?node=landline-call-rates-nongeo