Warning Issued over Scam Phone Number 09036946918

Date: 7 March 2024

Between last summer and early this year, many concerned parents have voiced their worries about the phone number 09036946918. Commenters on various platforms are reporting hefty charges incurred when their children called back what they believed to be missed calls from this mysterious number. The reactions have been consistent—frustration, anger, and concern for the financial burden placed on unsuspecting families, particularly when it involves young children.

Unwelcome Surprises on Phone Bills

One alarming comment from a parent reveals that their 12-year-old daughter had missed a call from this number. Upon calling it back just six seconds later, the family was charged £6.64. This led to a rapid-sharing of stories among parents, highlighting similar experiences. A mother of a 10-year-old reported a charge of £6.83 for a similar missed call situation, showing that the age of the child does not seem to change the vulnerability to this scam.

The pattern is evident; multiple parents noted that the calls lasted only a few seconds but resulted in charges of £6 or more. Another story mentioned a 10-second call that ended up costing £6.60. One especially irate parent stated their 11-year-old son had accrued £11 in charges, underscoring the growing financial impact that these scams have on families.

Disturbing Patterns of Scams

Many users have labelled this number as a "scam." A comment made back in August 2023 included a straightforward warning: "Scam. Cost £6.60." Further reinforcing this theme, another parent warned against responding to or calling back unknown numbers, specifically naming 09036946918 as a scam line. There’s a consensus emerging that these calls are designed to deceive and profit off those who unknowingly call back.

A particularly alarming report came from a parent who checked their phone bill and found they were charged £5.54 after a missed call from this number. The charge came after a mere 13 seconds on the line, emphasising how quickly these costs add up.

Scam Tactics and Advice for Parents

The comments reflect a concerning trend known as "wangiri," which translates to "one ring and drop"—a tactic often employed by scammers. They call, letting the phone ring once or twice before hanging up, prompting individuals to call back and unknowingly incur fees. Parents are being urged to act cautiously, particularly regarding their children's phone usage.

One parent astutely noted how this scam appears to target younger phone users, who might be less cautious or savvy about such tactics. As a result, they are recommending parents monitor their children's phone activities, educating them about the risks associated with returning calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers.

Report any Suspicious Activities

Experts recommend reporting these scams to the appropriate authorities. Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, advises anyone who has fallen victim to such scams to get in touch and document the incidents. They emphasise that raising awareness can help combat these fraudulent activities.

Moreover, parents and guardians are encouraged to educate their children about these scams. A comment from a parent underscored this education through fun discussions at home to build awareness surrounding unexpected missed calls.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant

In summary, the number 09036946918 has raised numerous red flags within the community, especially among parents. The substantial charges associated with missed calls and the tendency for them to target young and unsuspecting users have led to widespread concern. Vigilance is key; we encourage readers to share this information, keep an eye on their bills, and most importantly, teach younger phone users to be wary of unfamiliar numbers.

While tech-savvy scammers refine their tactics, it is up to families to remain informed, cautious, and proactive in shielding themselves from such deceptive practices.