Warning Issued as Scammers Use 01483 831276 to Target Victims

November 30, 2018

Recent reports have surfaced about the phone number 01483 831276, which has been linked to a wave of scam calls misleading individuals into thinking they are receiving legitimate support from BT Openreach. Various victims have shared their experiences, revealing a common pattern of uninvited calls aimed at extracting personal information under false pretences.

"My Computer is Compromised?"

On November 12, 2018, a victim reported receiving a call from someone who claimed to be from Openreach. The imposter stated that their computer was compromised, a clear tactic employed by scammers to instill fear and urgency. When the victim requested verification of the caller's identity, the scammer abruptly hung up. With rising suspicions, many have chosen to block this number altogether.

Another account from November 10 echoes similar sentiments. An Asian voice, amidst obvious call centre noise, insisted that the victim's broadband was suffering due to issues with their router. Upon questioning the caller’s credentials, the victim noticed evasiveness, prompting them to reconsider the legitimacy of the call and ultimately hang up in suspicion.

"Impatient Scammers"

Victims have observed that the scammers often become impatient when questioned about their legitimacy. A report from November 8 described an unpleasant exchange in which the caller grew agitated when the victim expressed doubt about their claims. “They said my router was full of junk files,” one reported. "It felt like a scam, and I didn't trust them at all."

Many have described the callers as persistent, with several victims reporting back-to-back calls from the same number. A victim even mentioned that they were almost convinced by a caller suggesting an engineer would be dispatched to address an imaginary problem.

Disguised Origins

The use of "spoofed" numbers is a major concern, as reported by several victims who claim that the scammers have appropriated a domestic landline number. This tactic allows them to appear legitimate, subsequently leading to numerous calls flooding the number as unsuspecting individuals attempt to reach the original household. One victim expressed disbelief, stating, "I don’t even know how they get away with it,” reflecting widespread confusion over these schemes.

"Verbal Abuse When Questioned"

Disturbingly, some victims have reported that when they challenged the scammers, they were met with hostility. One such account noted that the caller offered a string of insults in a foreign language after being told that the victim's internet was functioning fine. This aggressive response has only heightened concerns about the scammers' tactics and motives.

Advice from the Community

The community's response to the ongoing scams has been notable. Many people have advised blocking the number and reporting the calls to local authorities. One person urged others to document their experiences and share them to warn of the broader issue. "If we all communicate these threats, maybe we can protect someone else," they said.

Another victim encouraged readers not to respond to calls from unknown numbers. “Just hang up if you don’t recognise the number. It’s that simple. Don't let them manipulate you."

Reporting Scammers

If readers find themselves receiving calls from 01483 831276 or similar numbers, authorities recommend reporting these incidents. OFCOM can be contacted for further information. Victims are also reminded to protect their information and should never feel pressured to comply with a caller’s requests for remote access to computers or other sensitive data.

Conclusion

As scam calls continue to target vulnerable individuals, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant. Recognising the significant patterns in these calls can save many from falling prey to such predatory tactics. Awareness and communication are essential to safeguarding against these deceptive practices. If you receive a suspicious call, remember to block and report. Together, we can combat these offenders in our communities.