14 DAY TRIAL // In case you receive an SMS out of the blue asking you to call an 0844 number, chances are that you’re being targeted by scammers.
The SMS messages read something like this: “ATTENTION! We have tried to contact you, It is important we speak to you today. Please call 08445715179 quoting your reference 121190. Thank You.”
According to Conrad Longmore of Dynamoo’s Blog, users who call the number are put on hold. While they wait for someone to talk to, they’re being charged a considerable amount for each minute because 0844 numbers are used for premium rate services.
Worryingly, Longmore says the scam SMS has been sent to a number registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
In case you receive such messages, you can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office. You can also report the spammer to your carrier by forwarding the message along with the sender’s number to 7726 (T-Mobile, Orange, and O2), 87726 (Vodafone), or 37726 (Three).