Growing Concern Over the Phone Number 02385892173: A Wave of Complaints

In recent weeks, a number of residents across the UK have voiced their frustration over incessant calls from the phone number 02385892173. Individuals who answer these calls are reporting an array of alarming experiences, from unsolicited prize claims to background chatter resembling a call centre environment.

The Prize Scheme Claims

Many complaints centre around claims of winning vouchers from popular retailers like Tesco and Morrisons. One caller, who received a call on 2nd May 2018, claimed they had won a Tesco voucher. However, after expressing disinterest and hanging up, they noted that the same number has attempted to reach them three more times since.

Another individual reported a similar experience on 27th February, stating that the caller pretended to be from Morrisons and claimed they had won a £25 voucher but then began asking intrusive questions about their lifestyle and finances. They expressed their outrage, stating, "This is a load of bull. Something needs to be done to stop these pests." Many of the commenters shared that they have been registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) for years but feel that the service is not adequately addressing the issue.

Hang-Ups and Silent Calls

Multiple commenters reported instances of receiving calls from 02385892173 with no one on the other end of the line. One caller described hearing background noise and laughter but not a single spoken word. Another user recounted their annoyance after answering the call only to be met with silence before the caller hung up.

"It's really irritating," one person remarked. "Don’t be fooled, be vigilant and never pass any details, as to me it looks like a scammer."

Persistent Contact and Harassment

Several users indicated that they have been receiving calls from the number multiple times a day. A user expressed frustration over the harassment, stating they received two to three calls daily. "I’d say it is harassment, and they should be fined!" they asserted. Another individual noted the frequency of the calls, saying they had received up to four calls in a single day, only to be met with disconnection as soon as they requested information about the caller's identity or how their number was obtained.

One user mentioned they answered once and remarked that the call was being recorded for harassment. The line went dead shortly thereafter, showcasing a common pattern of non-compliance from the callers.

Incoherent Conversations and Accents

Several reports suggest that the callers have heavy accents, making it difficult for individuals to understand them. One caller expressed their frustration, stating that when they asked the caller to repeat themselves, they simply hung up. Others noted that the callers often claimed to be from well-known retailers such as Sainsbury's and Tesco but failed to provide any credible information.

The engaging nature of these calls raises more questions than it answers. User testimony consistently highlights that once they start to ask probing questions about the motivations of the call, the other party often disconnects.

Seeking Action and Reporting

Individuals have expressed their intention to report these incidents to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as part of a growing effort to combat these harassing practices. With various reports alluding to an effort to gather personal information through seemingly innocuous questions about shopping habits or lifestyle preferences, many are worried about privacy invasion.

One commenter noted, "I was able to search the number at the start of the call so gave nothing away." This proactive approach reflects a growing concern among the public about such intrusive calls, and many feel it is not just an annoyance but a potential threat to their privacy.

Conclusion

As reports of calls from 02385892173 continue to pour in, citizens are calling for stronger regulatory measures to address this ongoing nuisance. While some remain sceptical about the effectiveness of established organisations like TPS, others are determined to report and combat what they believe to be deceitful practices proliferating through unsolicited phone calls.

In the age of rapidly advancing technology, the public’s awareness and vigilance against such unwanted interference is paramount. It is essential for the authorities to step up and ensure that privacy and consumer protections are upheld in the face of such persistent and harassing tactics.