Spam call from UK Power Networks?

[sixlemons]

Has anybody else been similarly bothered?

I had a call half an hour ago, very polite voice recording saying she was calling from UK Power Networks about a recent issue we have had regarding our electricity supply, and to press 1 to hear an update.

Er, no I won't, thanks.

Firstly we haven't had a power cut (and nor has anyone else in the district, because I just checked online). Secondly where did you get my phone number from? And thirdly, what an amazing coincidence that we should receive a call like this not long after an enormous county-wide thunderstorm a couple of hours ago, when it could be entirely possible that we may have had a power cut because of it, and be lulled into thinking it was a genuine call.

I had a similar one that told me my broadband was going to be cut off due to engineering work and I had to press 1 to hear an update.

Very plausible but I don't know what happens or how they benefit if you do press 1, because obviously I didn't do this.

As far as how they get your number, I assume that they have a computer that dials all the possible numbers in turn until someone picks up.

I don't know what happens when you press 1 either! Maybe someone will come along and tell us.

Yes, I know how spammers get phone numbers, what I meant was that I knew it couldn't be UKPN because I've never given my phone number to them.

I know this is a zombie thread but it came up when I googled Power Network scams and it seems that they're active again so beware, I got one today, they knew my landline number and post code, the recorded voice 'advised' me of outages in my area and asked me to press 1. Naturally I didn't but would like others to be aware.

Please be aware of UK POWER NETWORK SCAMS. They have started doing them by text.

"This is UK Power Networks. Your Reference Number is CALL-592507-J. My name is Mya and my extension is 5333, if you need anything else, do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 31 63 105"

The above is the message I received but the phone number doesn't correlate with the one on their website.
DO NOT RESPOND AT ALL
Hopefully someone sees this message and it stops them from being scammed

Well at it again . Had a very short power cut this evening no more than 5 mins. 2 mins later home phone rings.

Hello this is UKpn. There has just been a power cut in your area and unfortunately we have managed to trace that the cause of this came from your phone. Press one to continue....

Phone put down of course!!!

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

They never stop do they!!!

Not just by text. I received an email with the following:

"Welcome to the UK Power Networks Priority Services Register. We recently reached out to inform you that we believe someone in your household is eligible for free priority support in the event of a power cut. We contacted you via email on 30 August 2024 and provided a 30-day opt-out period. Since we haven't heard from you, we have added your details to receive extra support during a power cut."

Firstly, of all that wasn't even true: they didn't send me anything on that date or any other.

Secondly, do they not know the GDPR LAW? They can't just add my details to their database because I didn't opt-out! I never opted in! In truth I don't think they HAVE my details. I think this is a ploy to get them. But it is blatantly illegal!

They went on to say:

"Although we can’t promise to get your power back on quicker, we do promise to support you by providing regular updates and tailored support during a power cut."

So they have one job (by their own admission) and they can't even do it! So what are they there for?