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Tiscali Scambusters

Telephone scams

Telephone scams

Scams aren't just limited to emails and websites, the scammers have figured out ways to take advantage of mobile and telecommunications technology. The latest and most common is the 07099 'ring back' telephone scam.
Telephone scams

Don't ring a 07099 number

Two types of scam
Two types of scam
There are two main ways of tempting you into returning a call to this type of number.

  • Your phone rings once and shows a missed call to a 07099 number. When you call back, the phone just keeps ringing, however you are being charged 50p minute as the ring tone is a recording and you've been connected since the first ring.


  • Your phone rings and someone on the other ends says something like, "Hello, hello, can you hear me", before hanging up? When you call back, the phone will ring and ring without reply (as above).
    • The 07099 telephone number has also been linked to the 'we tried to deliver a parcel, but you were out' scam. This is where you're sent a calling card from a courier who apparently tried to deliver a parcel to your address. The first thing to note is, why have they sent the calling card through the post if they were standing on your doorstep? The number will usually be a 07099 number and will cost you 50p minute. Oh and by the way, there never was a parcel in the first place, it's a scam!

    Text scam

    Text scam
    The SMS and the missed call.
    Like the telephone scam, there are a few variations, the text message and the missed call.

  • You receive a text message congratulating you on winning a cash prize. All you have to do to collect it is dial a number that begins with 0906. This is a premium rate number and the call will last several minutes. Don't worry, you'll never actually receive your prize and your phone bill will be a lot higher than usual!


  • With a missed call scam, your mobile rings once, then disconnects, leaving you with a missed call. Ring back and you're redirected to a premium rate line where you can claim your prize. These calls can last up to 30 minutes and could cost around £15. The prize never actually arrives in the post either.
    • Reverse texting involves ringtones and wallpapers, typically from around £1.50 per message. If you receive a text message telling you that you can claim a free ringtone, replying could sign you up to a service that will send the first one for free, but will keep sending them at a cost to you. If you fall for this, text the word 'STOP' immediately.

    Protect Yourself From Scams

    Scammers favourite top five tricks

    Scammers top five tricks

    More and more people are becoming victims of high-tech fraud. Learn more and avoid being caught out.
    Free credit report

    Free credit report

    View your Experian credit report online for free with our CreditExpert monitoring service.

    Further help and information

    The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Telephone Information Services ICSTIS , which regulates premium numbers.

    With reverse texting, if you text the word 'STOP' to the subscription number, they are legally required to halt immediately. If they don't, contact the ICSTIS.

    The easiest way to avoid being caught out by it is simple - if you get a missed call message don't call the number it leaves unless you are sure you know who it is.

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