The phone number 01204806809 has gained considerable attention recently, primarily for negative reasons. This number is associated with frequent unsolicited calls, many of which are reported as scams or fraudulent activities. Originating from the Bolton area in the UK (area code 01204), the number has been flagged for suspicious behavior in various reports across different platforms. Below, we dive deep into the nature of these calls and how you can protect yourself.
Origin of 01204806809
The 01204806809 number is registered under the UK’s Bolton area code but is believed to use VoIP technology. This means that the actual location of the caller may not be in Bolton at all. Many of the calls from this number have been linked to telemarketing scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent health services.
One common tactic employed by callers from this number involves impersonating healthcare or social services. For instance, some users reported being offered a “free” emergency panic button for health-related issues, only to later discover hidden costs of £1.70 per day, amounting to over £500 annually. This kind of bait-and-switch tactic raises significant concerns about the legitimacy of the calls and the safety of sharing the personal information over the phone.
Types of Calls Reported
The Several categories of calls have been linked to 01204806809:
- Healthcare Scams: Callers impersonate health officials or services, often the mentioning free health equipment or checkups. These offers usually come with hidden costs or attempts to extract personal information.
- Telemarketing Scams: Some reports suggest that the number has been used for aggressive telemarketing, offering services such as window inspections, which are often fraudulent in nature.
- Phishing Attempts: Users have noted that the callers often seem to have some personal information, which is used to the establish trust before probing for more sensitive details, such as health conditions or financial data.
Common Responses
The Reports from multiple users indicate that the calls often result in immediate hang-ups when questioned or are followed by aggressive sales pitches. This erratic behavior is a common sign of scam operations. Furthermore, many individuals have reported multiple calls from this number in a short period, indicating a high degree of persistence on the caller’s part.
The Several users have also reported experiencing phishing attempts, where the caller inquires about personal health issues or financial status. This is alarming, especially for the elderly or vulnerable individuals who may feel pressured into sharing information.
What You Can Do
If you receive a call from 01204806809, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: If the caller requests personal information such as your health status, address, or financial details, do not disclose anything over the phone.
- Verify the Source: If the caller claims to represent a known organization, hang up and contact the organization directly using official channels.
- Block the Number: If you continue receiving unwanted calls from 01204806809, consider blocking the number. Many smartphones have built-in features to block specific numbers, or you can use the apps designed for this purpose.
- Report the Call: You can report the number to local authorities or websites that track scam numbers. By doing so, you help protect others from falling victim to similar scams.
Conclusion
The phone number 01204806809 has been widely reported for its suspicious activities, including healthcare scams, phishing, and fraudulent telemarketing. While the number is associated with the Bolton area, it is believed to utilize VoIP technology, which obscures the actual location of the caller. The best defense against such calls is to remain cautious, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities.
