If you’ve received a call from 01413679790, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. This UK-based phone number, registered in the Glasgow area, has been linked to a dangerous energy scam that falsely claims to be associated with United Utilities. Fraudsters using this number are targeting unsuspecting individuals, offering false promises of saving money on gas and electricity bills. Unfortunately, this number has already been flagged by multiple users as a scam, with some reporting harassment and others warning about the fraudulent nature of the calls.
If you’ve received a call from this number or have been contacted by a similar one, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved and how to protect yourself. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the 01413679790 scam call, examine the common tactics used by scammers, and provide you with practical steps on how to protect your personal information.
What Is 01413679790?
The phone number 01413679790 is a UK-based landline number registered in the Glasgow area. However, despite its seemingly legitimate appearance, it has been reported by multiple users as being linked to a dangerous energy scam. The scammer uses this number to make unsolicited calls, pretending to be from United Utilities, a company that provides water and energy services in the UK.
The Scam Tactics Used by Callers
Scammers often prey on people’s lack of awareness, exploiting opportunities to deceive them. The key to understanding this scam lies in the tactics used by the caller. Here are the most common elements reported by individuals who have received calls from 01413679790:
- Energy Bills Offer: The caller claims they can help save money on gas and electricity bills, often providing an enticing pitch that promises reduced costs. They claim to be affiliated with major utility companies such as United Utilities, even though they are not.
- Persistence and Rudeness: Scammers often exhibit persistence when you hesitate or decline their offer. As one user reported, the caller started to act funny and became more persistent when the individual refused to provide details. Some users also mention how the caller acted rudely, particularly in trying to pronounce their names, which raises red flags.
- Voicemail with False Reassurances: After the call, some users reported receiving a voicemail reassuring them that the call was not a scam and that they would be contacted again. This is a typical tactic scammers use to make victims feel at ease, hoping they will eventually respond to a follow-up call.
- Automated Systems and Spam Behavior: The use of automated systems during calls is another frequently reported tactic. The calls are often part of a spam operation, where the victim is placed in a queue with an automated message, prompting them to engage in conversation.
The Risk of Providing Personal Information
If you have answered a call from 01413679790, the scammer may try to trick you into providing sensitive personal details, including:
- Full Name
- Address
- Bank Details
- Utility Account Information
Once scammers have this information, they could use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or to sign you up for services without your consent. In the case of energy scams like this, they may even try to convince you to change suppliers, resulting in potential contractual obligations or hidden fees.
Reports and Community Feedback
The 01413679790 number has been flagged by the public as dangerous and harassing. According to community feedback, users have reported this number as part of an energy scam, with some mentioning how the caller would pressurize them into agreeing to switch gas and electric suppliers. The caller also reportedly hung up abruptly when challenged.
A total of 25 reports and 1,198 lookups have been logged for this number. According to the community rating, the number has received a dangerous caller rating based on 5 ratings. Out of these, 1 user rated it as dangerous, while 3 users labelled it as harassing.
Protecting Yourself From This Scam
If you receive a call from the 01413679790 number or any similar numbers, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never share personal information such as your address, account details, or payment methods over the phone unless you are absolutely sure about the legitimacy of the caller.
- Hang Up and Block the Number: If you suspect the call is a scam, hang up immediately. Block the number to prevent future contact from the scammer.
- Report the Call: You can report the scam to relevant authorities like Action Fraud or Ofcom. Reporting helps raise awareness and can contribute to the identification and shutdown of fraudulent operations.
- Check for Signs of Scam Calls: Be cautious if you receive unsolicited calls that ask for personal details or offer deals that seem too good to be true. Legitimate companies, especially utility providers, will never ask for sensitive information over the phone without prior notice.
Why Scammers Target Utility Companies
Utility companies such as United Utilities are frequent targets for scammers because they have access to people’s personal and financial information. Many customers are already familiar with their utility providers, so it’s easier for scammers to make their offers appear legitimate.
Scammers use these companies as a guise to exploit customers’ trust, offering seemingly credible deals to persuade them into sharing personal details or making a switch. The energy sector, in particular, is a common area for fraudsters to focus on, as many individuals are looking for ways to reduce their bills.
What to Do if You’ve Already Shared Personal Information
If you have already shared your personal details with a scammer, take the following actions immediately:
- Contact Your Utility Provider: Inform your utility provider about the incident. If the scammer has falsely posed as your utility company, they may attempt to make unauthorized changes to your account.
- Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts for any suspicious activity. If necessary, contact your bank to alert them about possible fraud.
- Report the Incident: Report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, so that authorities can investigate the matter further.
How to Identify a Legitimate Call From Your Utility Provider
Legitimate utility companies, including United Utilities, follow specific procedures when contacting customers. They will never:
- Ask for personal details, including your bank account information, via unsolicited phone calls.
- Promise drastic savings without assessing your current situation.
- Call you unexpectedly about changing suppliers without prior communication.
If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the official customer service number for your utility provider to confirm the details.
What the Community Is Saying About 01413679790
Users have shared their experiences with the 01413679790 number, with many expressing frustration and concern. Some users have reported receiving persistent and aggressive calls, while others have shared about the automated voicemail left after the call. One user even commented that the caller became rude when they declined the offer to switch utility providers.
Many have blocked the number and reported it to relevant authorities, but the fact that these calls persist highlights the ongoing nature of the scam. For anyone receiving similar calls, it is crucial to stay vigilant and follow the steps mentioned above.
Conclusion
Receiving a call from 01413679790 can be unsettling, especially when it involves a scam that preys on your desire to save money on energy bills. By remaining cautious and taking the necessary steps to protect your personal information, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent calls.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and when in doubt, always double-check with your utility provider before making any decisions.
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, you can visit trusted sources such as Action Fraud or Ofcom.
Stay safe, stay informed, and always be cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls.
