I've just had a text from a mobile phone number (but listed as starting +44) and I'm wondering if anyone else has had something similar and if it's a scam.
I've tried a reverse look up and can't find the number (I won't list it here - yet! - in case it turns out not to be a scam.)
It reads:
Hi, hope you and [hubby's first name given here] are well, we are. I would like to know when your birthday is because i feel it is happening soon. X"
I hid my mobile number and phoned - no reply and then goes into engaged tone. Maybe this is because I had hidden my number and it would have hooked me in somehow if I'd not hidden it.
Was the husband's name correct? Is your birthday imminent? If yes, that lessens the chance that it is a scam. It may be that a friend has changed phone numbers. You could just text back and ask who it is.
+44 is just the prefix for the UK, as you probably know. I have it on all the numbers I have saved because it makes life easier when I am abroad.
A birth date including year might be useful to a scammer. A birthday (just date and month) might be less so - unless someone is trying to guess pin numbers
Yes hubby's name was correct, but I don't have a birthday coming up.
I didn't want to text as I know sometimes texts can cost a small fortune if you get through to the wrong people. I think I'll try ringing again this evening (again with my number withheld) and see if I get a reply this time. I don't think that will cost me anything if it is a scam.
I had one recently saying "missing you m8 wish you were here?"
I have no idea who is was, no one I know uses the m8 term,when I rang no one answered so I would be interested to know if somehow I am about to be de-frauded? or just paranoid?
marymck wrote:Yes hubby's name was correct, but I don't have a birthday coming up.
I didn't want to text as I know sometimes texts can cost a small fortune if you get through to the wrong people. I think I'll try ringing again this evening (again with my number withheld) and see if I get a reply this time. I don't think that will cost me anything if it is a scam.
I wouldn't do that. If it is a scam - perhaps with someone who has gained access to some personal details about you - then phoning a scam number can can cost you a fortune.
marymck wrote:Yes hubby's name was correct, but I don't have a birthday coming up.
I didn't want to text as I know sometimes texts can cost a small fortune if you get through to the wrong people. I think I'll try ringing again this evening (again with my number withheld) and see if I get a reply this time. I don't think that will cost me anything if it is a scam.
I wouldn't do that. If it is a scam - perhaps with someone who has gained access to some personal details about you - then phoning a scam number can can cost you a fortune.
I would ignore the call - absolutely. You don't want to be giving out any information (let alone date of birth, even day and month). Confirming by replying that your mobile phone is still active and in your hands being the person whose details they'll mostly already have (it's not difficult to get basic name and address info) is something they hope for.
