Daily, individuals encounter various scams, particularly persistent spam calls from +44 numbers linked to the UK. These calls often feature pre-recorded messages promoting fake job opportunities, aiming to extract personal information or financial details. Scammers may also employ ping calls to generate costly return calls. It’s advisable to ignore automated messages and utilize call-blocking features on devices. Apps like tellows can help identify and prevent unwanted calls, enhancing overall protection against fraud.
Every day, we face various fraudulent schemes that disrupt our lives. It’s crucial to remain vigilant against phishing emails, the grandchild scam, and persistent spam calls. The latter can be particularly irritating.
Currently, many individuals are receiving calls from numbers with the area code +44, which seem relentless in their attempts. Behind these annoying calls are scammers with malicious intentions, seeking to obtain your personal information and potentially engage in identity theft.
Emerging Fraud from the UK
The +44 area code indicates these calls originate from the United Kingdom. When you pick up, a pre-recorded message plays: ‘Hello, I want to discuss job opportunities with you. Add me on WhatsApp.’ Shortly after, the call disconnects. This tactic allows the criminals to achieve two main objectives.
First, they might be trying to lure you into a WhatsApp job scam, where they promise an attractive income for simple tasks. They claim that payments will be made in cryptocurrency, but in reality, you will never receive any money, leaving you empty-handed after working hard.
In some instances, these scammers may request money from you, claiming it will be reimbursed as part of your salary. Their ultimate goal is to harvest your personal data.
Another possibility is that it’s a ping call. The scammers hope you’ll call back out of curiosity, leading to substantial charges. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU post-Brexit, long-distance fees can accumulate quickly. The caller aims to keep you engaged in conversation to inflate the costs while preventing you from hanging up.
Stay Safe from Scammers
Numbers such as +447300287048, +447383072535, and +447307398680 have been flagged as highly dangerous by the tellows platform. If you see any of these numbers on your phone, it’s best not to answer. Similar spam calls are also being reported from the Netherlands and Portugal.
In general, if you are greeted by an automated message, it’s advisable to hang up immediately. No legitimate company would contact you using a recorded message. If a caller tries to compare services over the phone, it’s a clear sign of a scam—whether it’s related to electricity, banking, or other services.
Avoid engaging with such calls altogether. Even a simple ‘yes’ can have dire consequences, as scammers may record the conversation and use your words against you to falsely confirm a contract. The safest course of action is to hang up.
To further shield yourself from unwanted calls, consider activating the ‘Smart Call’ feature available on Samsung devices. iPhone users also have the option to block unknown numbers.
Additionally, you can download the tellows app, which proactively warns and blocks unwanted calls. If you’re looking to protect your landline, the tellows call protection feature for FRITZ!Box can also help safeguard against spam calls.