Scammers

Hello everyone. This morning I had a phone call from someone who said they were from British Gas and that my gas boiler was due a service. It was serviced earlier this year so the man apologised and quickly hung up. I googled British Gas and got the phone number for their home service department. They have no record of me being contacted by them. The number of the person who called me is 0333 2029 500 and I believe this to be the scam phone number. I am fed up of these scammers who want to fix my computer etc - please be careful out there.

Re: Scammers

I agree, AnneS.

If these people are not knocking on our doors, they are on the phone, or on our computers, or sending mail.

They are all a ruddy nuisance and it only takes one second of not thinking quick enough, and they'll catch us out.

Re: Scammers

I think the sad thing is too that we are so concerned not to be caught out by these people that we are suspicious of everyone, even if they turn out to be genuine.

Re: Scammers

Hi Annie, thanks for that advice. Whenever I get a scam call such as that, I usually go online and go to "Who called me". it has a section to put the phone number in and 9 times out of 10 they can either give you the name or the type of business that called you. Actually, with me, if the number showing on my phone does not contain my local code number, I always ignore it.

Re: Scammers

I have a boiler contract with British Gas, and they have, never, ever phoned me about my boiler service. In fact, it's been me that contacts them,whenever I feel it's that time. Funnily enough, I had an e-mail from them recently, giving me various slots to book my service, so I've chosen a date in October.

Re: Scammers

Far better to be very cautious than caught out. I never trust anyone unless I have good reason to do so. Having been taken in by someone in the past to the tune of £1000, I would be a fool to do otherwise.

Re: Scammers

Google the number that called you. They are good at knowing scammers numbers. I do it often, if it's a scammers number I can then block it on my phone.

Re: Scammers

Sorry to hear you have been caught by a scammer, it just shows how careful we need to be these days.

Re: Scammers

Usually I always reckon that if someone contacted me, or I didn't instigate whatever it was, or there's 'something for nothing', or it's anyone wanting information from me or about me then it's 99.9% certain it's a scam. If I ever get that wrong then whoever it was will call me back again.

Scammers seldom call back, they just put the phone down on me when I've gone along with their tale that my Windows PC running Microsoft needs sorting out and then, the most satisfying comment for me to make – "I have all Apple Macintosh devices so which one is it that has a problem?"

No answer comes the stern reply!

Re: Scammers

I had a call too and I don't have a boiler so I told them where to go in no uncertain terms ....