In recent weeks, a phone number has been causing quite a stir among residents across the UK. The number in question, 01615241057, has been linked to a series of unsolicited calls, many of which revolve around loft insulation. But what’s really going on here? Let’s dive into the details.
A Pattern of Persistent Calls
The first reports of calls from 01615241057 began to surface in early April. On 11th April, multiple individuals reported receiving calls from this number. The common thread? A woman with a South Asian accent, claiming to be from an energy advisory company, offering free loft inspections. She warned of potential irritants in loft insulation, urging homeowners to take immediate action.
One recipient of these calls shared their experience: “She launched into a spiel about my loft insulation being a possible irritant and said we were entitled to a free inspection. I laughed because we live in a converted bungalow and don’t even have a loft! When I suggested she try someone else, the line went quiet.”
Cold Calls and Scams
The calls didn’t stop there. On 17th April, several more reports came in. One caller, identifying himself as “Gareth,” made a cold call but abruptly cut himself off. Another caller, a woman, didn’t bother with introductions. She went straight into a pitch about loft insulation, asking if the homeowner had had an inspection in the last 18 months. This caller was particularly persistent, having tried to reach the homeowner earlier in the day.
Many recipients of these calls have labeled them as scams. One individual noted, “They’re now blocked. Scammers don’t want to take the last step to get through and ring off.” Another simply stated, “Scammer!” after receiving a call from the number.
The Loft Insulation Angle
The recurring theme in these calls is loft insulation. The callers often use scare tactics, suggesting that the insulation could be dangerous and that a free inspection is necessary. However, many recipients have seen through this ploy. One person remarked, “Local energy advisor 200 miles away! The loft insulation scam again.”
Interestingly, some callers have claimed to be local advisors, despite calling from hundreds of miles away. One recipient shared, “They called from 150 miles away as my ‘local’ adviser. It’s obviously a scam as they were doing multiple dialling.”
Blocking and Frustration
Frustration with these calls has led many to block the number. One individual explained, “We have a call guardian phone, so only people on our contacts list or those who identify themselves can get through. Scammers don’t want to take that last step and ring off. They’re now blocked.”
Despite being registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which is supposed to prevent unsolicited calls, many recipients are still receiving these calls. This has left them puzzled and annoyed. “We are registered with TPS, and have been for years, so how these calls still get through is a mystery,” one person said.
The Mystery Deepens
The calls from 01615241057 have left many questions unanswered. Who is behind these calls? Why the focus on loft insulation? And how are they bypassing TPS regulations? For now, the number remains a source of frustration and mystery for those who have received these unsolicited calls.
As always, it’s important to remain vigilant. If you receive a call from an unknown number, especially one pushing unsolicited services, it’s best to be cautious. Block the number if necessary and report it to the relevant authorities. In the meantime, the story of 01615241057 serves as a reminder of the persistent and evolving nature of phone scams.
If you have any information or have received similar calls, please share your experience in the comments below. Together, we can help shed light on these mysterious calls and protect others from falling victim to scams.