Rise in Scam Calls from 02033379536: Victims Speak Out

In recent weeks, the phone number 02033379536 has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. An alarming number of individuals have come forward to share their experiences with what they believe to be fraudulent calls purportedly from "Domestic and General," a well-known home appliance insurance company.

A Distressing Trend

Many victims have reported an increase in calls from this number, with several noting that they've received multiple calls in just one week. One individual, who identified themselves as "absolutely fuming," mentioned that they had contacted Domestic and General directly to investigate and were informed that the calls were indeed from an outbound team. However, they felt uneasy about sharing personal information on the phone, especially after the caller hung up when they refused to provide their last name.

Another victim echoed similar sentiments, recounting a call from a lady with an Indian sounding voice who insisted they confirm their postcode. "She should’ve known this," they said, firmly believing they were dealing with a scam. "I ended up hanging up because it felt wrong."

Concerns for Vulnerable Individuals

The concern isn't just for those who are tech-savvy; the impact of these calls reaches vulnerable groups as well. One commenter revealed their elderly mother has been receiving frequent calls about discounts from Domestic and General. The caller's insistence on bank details raised red flags, leading the concerned family member to promptly end the call.

Another anonymous user stated, "I do not pick up," indicating a growing sense of wariness among individuals who are tired of repeated harassment from this number. Increasingly, community members are putting their phones on silent to avoid disturbance.

Silent Calls and Heavy Breathing

Many reports highlight peculiar experiences during the calls. Several complainants noted receiving silent calls or calls filled with background noise, reminiscent of a busy office. For instance, one user mentioned answering a call on 8 January, only to be met with silence and chatter. They described hearing "heavy breathing," which added to the unsettling nature of the experience.

"I didn’t know the number, so I just didn’t pick up," another user noted, underscoring a common tactic many are now adopting. They chose to delete the number immediately after the call, unwilling to engage with any potential scammers.

Victims are Getting Fed Up

The consensus among these reports is clear: the public is fed up. “Have these people got nothing better to do?” one frustrated caller asked, having already blocked the number due to previous attempts at contact.

Moreover, several callers have expressed a strong desire to stop these nuisance calls once and for all. "I wish I could stop them," one user lamented, describing the consistent plagues of calls starting with the phrase, "Am I speaking to the lady of the house?"

Ongoing Investigation

Despite the evident frustration among many individuals, there is hope, as Domestic and General has begun to take these complaints seriously. They are now investigating these reported calls for potential foul play. It seems the company's intervention may lead to a better understanding of this issue and, ideally, a resolution.

Tips for Staying Safe

For those who may find themselves in similar situations, security experts recommend never sharing personal information, especially bank details, over the phone unless sure of the caller's identity. Additionally, users are encouraged to register with the Telephone Preference Service, which can help reduce unsolicited marketing calls.

As the situation with 02033379536 continues to unfold, people are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls to the authorities. With shared stories and collective action, we can take steps towards reining in these unsolicited contacts and protecting each other from potential scams.