In recent weeks, a particular phone number, 01873440570, has been causing quite a stir among UK residents. Reports flooding in from various individuals suggest that this number is linked to a series of scam calls, primarily targeting the elderly. The nature of these calls has raised concerns about the safety and privacy of vulnerable members of society.

A Wave of Complaints

The complaints began to surface in late September 2024 and have continued into October. Many of the calls are described as “medical scams,” with callers offering emergency alert systems or medical alarms. One user reported, “Called my mum asking about a call button. Knew her address and who she banked with. She didn’t give them any other information. She’s 89. We have now blocked the number.” This level of personal knowledge is particularly alarming, as it suggests that the scammers may have access to sensitive information.

Another common theme is the use of aggressive sales tactics. One individual noted, “The caller attempted to involve me in a transaction to buy a medical alert alarm. Told them to ‘bog off.’ An obvious scam… a medical scam. Put the phone down. I blocked the number.” The persistence of these callers is evident, with many people reporting multiple calls from the same number.

The Impact on the Elderly

The elderly seem to be the primary target of these scams. One user expressed their frustration, stating, “Having to put up with this kind of harassment is inhumane, especially when the people that they prey on are in their nineties. It is just getting tiresome now.” The emotional toll on older individuals, who may already be dealing with health issues or isolation, is significant.

Many have taken steps to protect themselves, with call-blocking technology becoming a popular solution. “Rang my landline, no message left. Call Blocker is wonderful,” shared one user. However, not everyone has access to such tools, leaving them vulnerable to repeated calls.

The Scammers’ Tactics

The scammers appear to be using a variety of tactics to deceive their targets. Some claim to be from well-known companies, such as BT or British Gas, while others pose as medical professionals. One user recounted, “Apparently phoning from BT/BT Business, although I originally thought they said British Gas. Regarding the switch to digital phone lines and that I still had a copper phone line and some mention of fibre. They said they weren’t selling anything, but when I said that I could deal with it myself and started asking questions, they hung up.”

The use of accents that are not native to the UK has also been noted. “Accent was not from Abergavenny, more like Indian living in Dagenham…… (Sorry to the residents of Dagenham!),” joked one user. While this may seem like a light-hearted observation, it highlights the international nature of these scams, making them harder to trace and stop.

A Call to Action

The growing number of complaints has led to calls for greater action to be taken against these scammers. Many users have expressed their frustration with the current system, which seems to offer little protection against such calls. “These people are a pain in #%#%%%**,” vented one individual, summing up the feelings of many.

While blocking the number is a common response, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root of the problem. Increased regulation, better enforcement, and public awareness campaigns are all potential solutions that could help to reduce the impact of these scams.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding the phone number 01873440570 is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics of those who seek to exploit it. For now, the best defence remains vigilance and the use of tools like call blockers. However, without concerted action from authorities, it is likely that such scams will continue to plague UK residents, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

If you receive a call from this number or any other suspicious number, it is recommended that you do not engage with the caller and report the incident to the relevant authorities.