Scammer Alert: Concerns Over the Number 01362696428

In recent years, concerns have been raised over the telephone number 01362696428, which has been linked to a series of unsolicited and often distressing calls. Victims across the UK have taken to various platforms to share their experiences, which predominantly highlight that many callers purported to be from legitimate services, such as BT.

Automated and Silent Calls

Reports date back to 2017, with users mentioning silent calls or automated messages. A comment from September 2017 states, "Just had a silent call from 01362 685374," indicating confusion among the victims who have been receiving calls from similar numbers. Another complainant mentioned an automated voice recording from the same number, claiming it was regarding a car accident they were not involved in, saying "block em," and urging others to cease any engagement with the number.

Claims of Internet Issues

A recurring theme in the comments is the claim regarding internet safety. Many individuals recounted conversations in which they were told their internet connection was being exploited by individuals overseas. One person specifically stated, "Someone claiming to be from BT technical dept, stating someone in USA was using my broadband." Such assertions have resulted in frustration, with recipients often hanging up.

Others reported dealing with vague callers who try to establish legitimacy but quickly reveal themselves as untrustworthy. A user reported that upon questioning, a caller changed their story, stating, “When I said I would call BT and speak to him he was not pleased.” This highlights the deceptive tactics often employed by these scam callers.

Cultural Background

Many of the comments point to a distinct pattern in the callers' accents, with the majority being described as having “distant-sounding Asian accents” or similar descriptions. One user shared, "The usual distant-sounding Asian-accent asking me how I am today and claiming to be calling about my internet connection." This similarity in accent leads to a collective belief that these calls are from a coordinated group attempting to exploit individuals through fear and confusion.

Persistent Harassment

The frequency of calls from this number or similar variations has caused considerable distress for recipients. One frustrated individual noted, "Scammers, phone same time each day. Block number." Another shared that they had received continuous calls and even described the experience as "nuisance weird threatening at times."

Many individuals have taken the necessary measures to report these incidents to relevant authorities. Comments indicate that some have contacted Ofcom or reported fraudulent activity online, hoping to prevent others from falling victim to the scam.

Patterns and Red Flags

Looking into the patterns of behaviour exhibited by these callers, several warning signs emerge. Recipients often receive calls from multiple numbers within a short time frame, leading one to note, "I hang up and block the number only for an hour or so later to be called by virtually the same number one digit difference." This indicates a persistent effort on the part of the scammers to bypass blocks by changing their calling digits.

Additionally, comments reflect a growing frustration with how these calls disrupt daily life. One person remarked about nearly missing important moments due to these incessant disturbances, stating, “Why do these calls so often come when one is trying to concentrate on something else?”

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant

As the alarming reports surrounding 01362696428 continue to rise, authorities and phone-users alike urge vigilance. Individuals are reminded to never engage with such callers or provide any personal information. Blocking these numbers and reporting similar experiences to relevant services could potentially help in curbing this growing issue.

It is evident that callers like those behind 01362696428 employ a fear-based strategy to extort sensitive information. By actively discussing these incidents, victims can arm themselves and others with critical information, reducing the chances of exploitation from these so-called "scammers."