In recent times, the phone number 01753 925206 has garnered attention, with 18 reports and 949 lookups as users in the UK have flagged it as a potential scam. Based in the Slough area, this UK-based landline has been marked with a dangerous caller rating, specifically linked to boiler-related scam calls. Below, we’ll dive into what people are saying about this number, why it’s important to stay alert, and how to protect yourself from phone scams like these.
Understanding the Caller Reports and Ratings
- Caller Rating Summary:
- Dangerous: 1 user
- Harassing: 3 users
- Neutral: 1 user
Most Commonly Reported Words:
- Free (4 mentions)
- Silent (3 mentions)
- Scam (3 mentions)
- Government (2 mentions)
- Insulation (2 mentions)
- Noise (1 mention)
- Background (1 mention)
Users report hearing about free boiler replacements, loft insulation offers, and government grants. Many have also observed background noise and silence after answering the call. The details from various callers help form a clear pattern that this phone number could be linked to scam activities aimed at exploiting the offer of free or subsidized home improvements.
Reported Incidents with Phone Number 01753 925206
- Scam Boiler Replacement Offers
Several reports mention a male caller with a strong accent attempting to sell free boiler replacements. When pressed for details, this caller often hung up or failed to answer clearly, leading many to believe it is a scam. This tactic of quickly disconnecting when challenged is a red flag in phone scams. - Free Loft and Cavity Insulation Scam
Some users noted the caller offered a free survey for loft and cavity insulation, allegedly supported by government grants. While there are genuine government schemes to improve home insulation, these calls raise suspicion, especially when no legitimate government affiliation is confirmed. - Caller Knew Personal Details
One particularly concerning report mentions the caller had the user’s name and address. In today’s data-driven world, scams that use personal information often aim to build trust or intimidate recipients into compliance. This detail heightens the need for caution with this number. - Missed Calls with No Voicemail
A few users reported missed calls from this number, with no voicemail left. Scam calls often avoid leaving messages as they prefer real-time interaction to lure victims into sharing sensitive information.
Signs of Potential Scam: Identifying the Red Flags
This number’s behavior is consistent with classic phone scam techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the red flags based on user reports:
- Unsolicited Free Offers: Offering free boilers or insulation under the guise of government schemes is a known tactic. Genuine government programs usually communicate in writing and rarely involve cold calls.
- Ambiguity and Background Noise: Frequent mention of background noise suggests a call center environment, which is common with scam operations.
- Silence and Hang-Ups: Calls that go silent or end abruptly when questions are asked indicate that the caller may not have genuine information to share.
- Knowledge of Personal Information: Scammers may buy or obtain data from leaks or online sources. Always be cautious if a stranger on the phone knows more than they should.
Why Boiler and Insulation Scams are Common in the UK
With rising energy costs, many UK residents are on the lookout for ways to improve home energy efficiency. Genuine government schemes offer subsidies or free upgrades for certain energy-saving measures. Unfortunately, scammers often imitate these programs to sound legitimate.
In the UK, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme provides insulation and boiler replacements for qualifying households. Scammers are aware of this, so they often reference these schemes to lend credibility to their offers. Always check official sources like the GOV.UK website to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited offer.
How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls
- Do Not Engage or Share Personal Information
If you receive a suspicious call, avoid engaging in prolonged conversations. Do not share personal information like your full name, address, or financial details. - Verify the Caller’s Identity
Ask for the caller’s name, the company they represent, and a contact number. Take note of any hesitation or vagueness in their response. Genuine companies will not mind if you verify their identity. - Report the Number
Reporting scam numbers helps create awareness and prevent others from falling victim. In the UK, you can report fraudulent calls to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk) or register your concern on community websites like Who Called Me or Tellows, where users rate and discuss suspicious phone numbers. - Register on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) (https://www.tpsonline.org.uk) can reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. While it won’t stop scams, it helps cut down on unwanted marketing calls, making it easier to identify potentially fraudulent ones.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you have interacted with this or a similar number and shared personal or financial information, it’s crucial to act swiftly:
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: If you shared banking details, inform your bank. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity.
- Change Your Passwords: For online security, update any passwords you may have shared or that are linked to your personal information.
- Alert the Authorities: Report the incident to Action Fraud or your local police station. Document the call and any interactions to provide the details if needed.
Conclusion
Phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using plausible offers to deceive individuals into sharing personal information. In the case of 01753 925206, the reports overwhelmingly indicate this is likely a scam. It is crucial to remain cautious, avoid sharing details, and rely on official channels for information on government programs or energy-saving offers.
