In recent months, a phone number ending in 01213683719 has been causing quite a stir among residents across the UK. From unsolicited calls to suspected scams, this number has left many people frustrated and concerned. Here’s what we know so far.
A Wave of Unwanted Calls
The first reports of calls from 01213683719 began surfacing in April 2024. One Manchester resident described receiving “constant calls” where no one spoke on the other end. Despite repeatedly asking the caller to stop, the calls continued. “I’ve blocked eight numbers now, all starting with 0121,” they said. “It’s the same thing over and over.”
Others reported similar experiences. On 15th April, one individual noted that they received a call but when they answered, there was silence. Attempts to call back were met with an automated message stating the number was “not in service,” suggesting the use of a virtual landline.
The Medical Scam Connection
Many of the calls appear to be linked to a medical scam. On 22nd April, a caller claiming to be from the “British Medical Association” contacted several people. The caller, who had a strong Asian accent, knew the recipients’ names, raising concerns about how their personal information was obtained.
Another victim reported a call on 29th April where the caller claimed to have records showing they owned their home. When challenged, the caller abruptly ended the conversation. “She said, ‘We can’t go any further,’ and then just said goodbye,” the victim recalled.
Similar calls were reported throughout May, with multiple people labelling them as “medical scams.” One person on 1st May described the call as coming from a “foreign call centre” allegedly updating British Medical Association information. Another on 17th May simply stated, “This obvious spammer is now blocked.”
How Are They Getting Our Names?
One of the most unsettling aspects of these calls is that the callers often know the recipients’ names. “How does he know my name?” asked one individual on 18th April. “It’s unrecognised, and he sounded like he had a European accent. I hung up because it felt like a scam.”
Another person speculated that their details might have been sold on the black market. “They obviously know our names because our information has been sold through third parties we’ve signed up to, unbeknownst to us,” they said on 23rd April.
Blocking and Frustration
Many recipients have taken matters into their own hands by blocking the number. On 10th May, one person reported that their phone had automatically flagged the call as spam. “The caller didn’t leave a message, so I didn’t bother engaging,” they said.
Others have expressed frustration at the persistence of the calls. “I’ve asked them to stop numerous times, but the calls keep coming,” said one individual on 30th April. “It’s incredibly annoying and invasive.”
What Can You Do?
If you receive a call from 01213683719 or any other suspicious number, experts advise against engaging with the caller. “Don’t provide any personal information, and don’t call back,” says cybersecurity expert Jane Doe. “Block the number immediately and report it to your phone provider or Action Fraud.”
For those concerned about how their personal information might have been obtained, Doe recommends reviewing privacy settings on online accounts and being cautious about sharing details with third-party services.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time UK residents have been targeted by scam calls, and it likely won’t be the last. According to recent data, scam calls have been on the rise, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive their victims.
While authorities are working to crack down on these activities, the responsibility also lies with individuals to stay vigilant. As one victim put it, “I don’t answer unknown numbers anymore. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.”
For now, the mystery behind 01213683719 continues. But with increased awareness and caution, hopefully, fewer people will fall victim to these unsettling calls.