A phone number with the digits 001823665289 has been flagged by multiple individuals as the source of a widespread scam targeting Visa cardholders. Reports from a website collecting comments about suspicious phone numbers reveal a concerning pattern of fraudulent activity linked to this number. The scam, which involves automated calls claiming unauthorised transactions, has left many worried and frustrated.
The Scam Uncovered
The scam typically begins with an automated call claiming to be from “Visa Secure.” The message informs the recipient that £600 has been taken from their Visa account and urges them to press “1” if they did not authorise the transaction. Many who received these calls described them as persistent, with some reporting multiple calls in a single day.
One user commented, “They called three times yesterday and then again this morning. It’s a scam—my Visa account is untouched.” Another added, “I hung up immediately, but it’s worrying how convincing these calls can be for vulnerable people.”
A Growing Problem
The comments, all dated between 9th and 10th July 2019, paint a picture of a coordinated scam operation. Many recipients noted that the calls often came from withheld numbers or spoofed UK versions of the international number. One user shared, “They’re using both this number and a spoofed UK version to target my elderly mum. Thankfully, she hangs up on them.”
The frequency of the calls has been a major source of frustration. One individual reported, “Three calls today from this number. All saying £600 was taken from my Visa account. Scam. Piss off.” Another said, “Second call today! This is so worrying for some people who might actually fall for it.”
How the Scam Works
The scam appears to rely on creating a sense of urgency. By claiming that £600 has been taken from the recipient’s account, the fraudsters pressure individuals to act quickly. Those who press “1” are likely connected to a live operator who may attempt to extract personal or financial information.
One user who pressed “1” out of curiosity shared, “What happens if you do press 1, as I did?” While they did not elaborate on the outcome, experts warn that engaging with such calls can lead to further attempts at fraud or identity theft.
Impact on Victims
The emotional toll of these scams is significant, particularly for vulnerable individuals. One commenter expressed concern for elderly relatives, stating, “They rang my mother and said £600 had been taken out of her account. It really worried her, but I managed to reassure her it was a scam.”
Another user highlighted the broader implications, saying, “Financially, it’s worse than being mugged. These scammers are preying on people’s trust and fear.”
What Can Be Done?
Many of those who received the calls have taken steps to protect themselves. Blocking the number and reporting it to authorities, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), are common responses. One user advised, “Please do not answer the phone if this number rings. Block it immediately.”
However, the persistence of the scammers suggests that more needs to be done to combat such fraud. Experts recommend staying vigilant and reminding loved ones, especially the elderly, to be cautious of unsolicited calls about financial matters.
Conclusion
The comments about phone number 001823665289 reveal a troubling trend of scam calls targeting Visa cardholders. While many have successfully avoided falling victim to the fraud, the sheer volume of reports highlights the need for increased awareness and stronger measures to protect the public from such schemes. As one user aptly put it, “When will these scumbags give up?!”
For now, the best defence remains vigilance and a healthy dose of scepticism when receiving unsolicited calls about financial transactions.