In recent months, a wave of unsolicited calls from the number 02039170193 has left many business owners and individuals frustrated and suspicious. Reports flooding in from various sources suggest that these calls are not only persistent but also potentially deceptive. Here’s what we know so far.
The Nature of the Calls
The calls, which began as early as November 2024, typically involve a caller claiming to represent a “Telecoms Research Company.” The caller often mentions the “ISDN switch off,” a legitimate event where traditional phone lines are being replaced by digital alternatives. However, the manner in which these calls are conducted has raised red flags.
One user reported on 24th January 2025: “The caller asked me to confirm my business address and name, saying they were updating BT records. When I questioned the relevance of this to the ISDN switch off, the caller became defensive and eventually hung up.”
Another user on 17th January 2025 noted: “The caller enquired about how many phones we had, the title of our director, and our address. It felt intrusive and unnecessary.”
A Pattern of Suspicion
The consistency in the reports points to a pattern. Callers often ask for detailed business information, which can be found publicly on platforms like Companies House. This has led many to believe that the calls are a front for data harvesting or even more sinister activities.
On 5th December 2024, a user shared: “The caller claimed they were updating details for the ISDN switch off. I informed her we weren’t with BT but with TalkTalk. She quickly ended the call. It felt like a scam to sell our details.”
Another user on 4th December 2024 added: “They confirmed my name, address, and director of the company, saying they were updating telecom info for the switch off. It’s all publicly available information, so why are they calling?”
The Scam Angle
The term “scam” appears frequently in the reports. Users have expressed concerns that the callers are not who they claim to be. On 19th December 2024, a user noted: “The caller tried to contact me every day for 14 days. When I finally answered, they asked if we used an ISDN line, which we don’t. They then asked for publicly available company details. It felt like a waste of time and possibly a scam.”
Another user on 8th January 2025 was more blunt: “Hi, I’m Josh. We’re conducting a survey about a something switch off. #### off Josh.”
Blocking and Avoidance
Many users have resorted to blocking the number. On 27th November 2024, a user reported: “This number called twice, trying to get past the scam filter by saying a name. It’s spam, and the number is now fully blocked.”
Another user on 26th November 2024 shared a similar sentiment: “They’ve been hassling for years. I keep blocking the number, and they just keep coming. Now, I won’t answer a London number. If it’s important, write to me. Good day!”
Conclusion
The calls from 02039170193 have become a significant nuisance for many. While the callers claim to be conducting legitimate research, the persistent and intrusive nature of their inquiries has led to widespread suspicion. The advice from those who have encountered these calls is clear: be cautious, avoid sharing personal or business information, and consider blocking the number.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether these calls are part of a larger scam or simply an overzealous marketing effort. For now, vigilance is the best defense.