Is 01228502654 a Scam Number? A Warning from the Public

In a worrying trend, many residents across the UK have reported receiving phone calls from the number 01228502654. The feedback coming from these individuals paints a concerning picture of a potential scam that is preying on people’s anxiety about their finances.

A Wave of Alarm

On September 10 and 11, 2020, a significant number of users on our commenting platform shared their experiences about the number in question, describing similar encounters. Several commenters reported receiving an automated voice message warning them about a significant unauthorized payment made from their debit card, usually for around £600, sent overseas. One individual, who sought to clarify the matter with their bank, noted, “Definitely a scam caller, just clarified with Barclays - do not give any details to this person."

This alarming reaction was echoed by others, with one commenter from West Sussex mentioning, “£600 sent overseas. I don't have that much in my account.” This particular passerby raised a valid concern; such notifications could easily provoke panic, leading someone to inadvertently provide personal information.

The Automated Voice

Many of the reports included details about the automated voice message. It seemed to claim urgency, stating that unless the recipient pressed a certain number on their keypad, their debit card would be blocked. One user expressed their disdain clearly: “Automated voice. Stating to be a fraud line, and that £600 had been paid overseas from our debit card. Probably a fraud, to entice one into selecting a premium rate line.”

With the call invoking a sense of panic and urgency, it’s understandable why callers may feel pressured to engage. Commenters advised against it, warning others to ignore the calls and hang up immediately, with one user advising, “Just block the number and report them or simply ignore the call, stay safe.”

Confusion and Frustration

Among the myriad reports, other users shared experiences of accidentally calling back the suspicious number, only to discover that it was “not in use.” One person revealed, “I was trying to call back a missed call. I accidentally selected this missed call from my phone and the message said this number is not in use.” This highlights an added layer of frustration and confusion that often accompanies such dubious numbers.

The Role of Banks

Several individuals took the matter into their own hands by contacting their banks directly after receiving calls. The overwhelming advice was consistent. One user exclaimed, “They said it was my bank; my debit card had been used abroad - it's a scam, don’t go to options!” Such statements stress the importance of verifying information directly with financial institutions rather than replying to calls from unverified numbers.

A Community Response

As reports continued to pour in, the consensus among the community was to avoid engaging with this number altogether. Regular warnings came as a unified call for caution. People encouraged others to educate themselves on potential scams and to remain vigilant. Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to safeguarding personal information against fraudulent activities.

What Should You Do?

If you receive a call from 01228502654 or a similar number, the advice from the community is clear:

1. Do Not Engage: Hang up immediately without providing any personal details.
2. Block the Number: It is advisable to block any suspicious number to prevent future calls.
3. Contact Your Bank Directly: If you are ever in doubt about a transaction, reach out to your bank through their official means of communication instead of responding to a questionable call.
4. Report the Incident: Reporting the number to the appropriate authorities can help raise awareness and protect others from falling victim to scams.

Conclusion

As more people share their experiences with the suspicious number 01228502654, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and cautious about unexpected calls, especially those involving financial information. By staying informed and alert, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from potential scams.