I have just received an unsolicited text message:
We currently have a message awaiting your collection. To collect your message just call 0871 872 3810
The text apparently originated from +20105996500 - which would seem to be an Egyptian number - unless anyone else knows better. As I have absolutely no connections in Egypt, this at least confirms my suspicion that the text is a scam.
Anyway, this is not a call I'm going to make. There is quite a lot on the web about scams operating on 0871 numbers which can be quite expensive to call. If anyone would like to call this number as a public service, it'd be interesting to know how much you end up paying - and how long they keep you in a queue or on hold whilst the minutes rack up. Interesting.... but I'm not suggesting for a moment you do.
From 2008, Icstis will be regulating 0871 numbers - they are not currently considered or treated like "premium" rate lines - but the difference I suspect is merely one of degree. Details at:
http://www.icstis.org.uk/pdfs_news/0871_countdown.pdf
In the meantime, there doesn't seem much one can do - except lodge a generic complaint to Ofcom. Their site tells you what they will and won't do in such a case:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/
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3 comments:
Code: 0871 872
Type: Service
Use: Services up to 10p
Operator: Opera Telecom
Tariff Band: Multimedia 10p (g7) (inc VAT)
Service: Service
Thanks for your advice - just got the same message myself, matey. Deleted immediately!
Actually, this particular number has been picked up by a worthwhile site at www.07text0spam.com.
It's logged at 9:57 on 21 January.
Good for them - take a look at their site!
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