Increasing Complaints About 02038961353: A Summary of Community Concerns

In recent weeks, one phone number has sparked a great deal of conversation among residents who claim to have been repeatedly contacted by it. The number in question is 02038961353, and many of those receiving calls from this line have voiced their concerns over a barrage of unsolicited outreach from individuals claiming to be energy advisors.

Frequent Calls Ignored

Reports have poured in about an individual named Joan, who is often reported as "an energy advisor in the area.” This caller seems to have made at least three attempts to get in touch with residents since late July 2024 alone. A frustrated respondent mentioned that even though they had explicitly instructed Joan not to call, the phone rings again and again. The caller reportedly hangs up at the mention of the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), indicating a lack of regard for the rules associated with cold calling in the UK.

One commented, “I’ve blocked the number, but it’s the same voice and accent calling me from different numbers. It’s bizarre and irritating.” Many people have echoed this sentiment, feeling powerless against persistent calls.

A Pattern of Disregard for TPS

Many residents are pointing out a concerning pattern among these calls. One individual mentioned that the same caller had contacted them from a slightly different number, 02038961369, claiming to offer savings on energy bills. “I told them twice I wasn’t interested, and they just hung up. Clearly, this company isn’t sticking to TPS rules,” they said.

Another comment indicated that the lack of professionalism was evident, with silent calls and callers hanging up as soon as the phone was answered. One resident stated, “When I answered, they were silent. I ended up blocking the call, which is a shame because it was probably a scam.”

Silent Calls and Hang-ups

There has been an alarming number of reports regarding silent calls from this number. Several individuals have recounted their experiences, with comments such as “They just hang up when I answer” and “The caller cut off as soon as I picked up”. The general consensus seems to be irritation and confusion—residents are wondering why these calls persist, despite the repeated blocking of numbers.

One user described a typical experience, stating, “I got a call at 09:05 am from Joan, who started her usual spiel about insulation. When I mentioned I wasn’t a homeowner, she just hung up. Another scammer.” This succinctly summarises the frustrations many feel after handling these unsolicited communications.

The Impact of Cold Calling

As detailed in user comments, there are rising concerns over the legality of these cold calls. Cold calling from numbers that individuals have asked not to be contacted by is regarded as a criminal offence in the UK. Yet, the persistent nature of these calls raises questions about how these companies operate and evade regulations.

Community members are not only experiencing repeated disturbances but are also left feeling anxious about their privacy. One comment read, “Unwanted and unsolicited – I didn’t even pick up. Honestly, blocking it is the only solution.” This reflects a growing sentiment among the masses, who are now more inclined to leave their phones unanswered or block numbers before they even engage.

Community Calls for Action

The rising trend of unwanted calls has led many in the community to demand further action. Residents express confusion about their rights and how to effectively respond to these cold callers. One individual called for a movement, urging, “We need stronger regulations against these persistent callers. They are disrupting our daily lives and circumventing the rules that are supposed to protect us.”

As residents continue to band together to share experiences about calls from 02038961353 and several other similar numbers, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken in response to these complaints. The community is calling for better protection against cold calling practices and greater awareness of the rights individuals have regarding unsolicited communications.

With the digital age bringing myriad ways to contact individuals, it is essential that residents stay vigilant and informed. Whether that means effectively utilising the TPS or simply blocking unwanted numbers, they must take steps to safeguard their peace and privacy as best as they can.