Someone is booking restaurants in my name and with my phone number. Is there anything I can do about it?

[You4coffee]

For about the last six weeks, someone has been making large bookings (8-10 people) at restaurants in my name with my phone number and when I don't turn up the restaurant rings me. They have my full name and phone number. And are obviously put out that they've lost a booking.

They seem to be genuine restaurants, all over London. I live in London but don't particularly know any of the areas or individual restaurants.

I wasn't particularly concerned but it seems to be increasing. It was one a week for a while but this week I've had at least one phone call a day.

I can't think of anyone who'd have a vendetta against me but it does feel personal! And I feel bad for these restaurants that are mostly small local businesses rather than large chains.

Had anyone experienced anything like this? Is there anything I can do? There doesn't seem much point in changing my phone number or reporting to anyone?

Check your credit score!
Maybe its some sort of bizarre identity fraud.

She could recognize the same voice?

Yeah we didn't get very far with selling it. No one would have had my phone number. And the flat is in a completely different location to all the restaurants.

To answer a few questions... Definitely not sleeping with anyone's husband. Barely have the energy to sleep with my own let alone anyone else's😂

Definitely genuine restaurants. Have googled a few phone numbers and they all match up- rather than being cloned numbers etc. I've checked a couple of websites - none have online booking. It's more your local pizza or Indian restaurant rather than a large chain.

I've not complained about any service so think that's unlikely.

I'd be totally shocked if it's a neighbour or a colleague tbh. I can't think that I'd have annoyed anyone enough to go to these efforts.

Will check my credit report as well.

I'm not hugely worried it's just weird and annoying.

Yes this is what I think too. Annoying for me. But these restaurants are small local businesses potentially losing money because of it.

They should be taking deposits

Definitely need columbo on the case... There's just one more thing...😆

Was the flat you sold/are selling rented out? Disgruntled tenant would be my guess.

Alternatively do you manage people? Someone on your team/old team doesn't like you?

Have you beaten a colleague to an internal promotion? Been granted flexible working and they haven’t? Have a disgruntled family member who envies something about your life? So many possibilities, none of them nice to contemplate from someone we know and trust.

Do any of the restaurants record their phone conversations? Would be worth asking.

I wonder if you plotted the locations of the restaurants, would they make an expanding blob centred on the perpetrator's home like they do in the movies?

Seriously this must be very unsettling. I hope you get some resolution. Did your phone number belong to anyone else before you?

Is there anyone you know who might be jealous of you? Or someone who might feel you have wronged them, even just a tiny bit? It's such immature and petty behaviour.

It sounds like you are handling it with much pragmatism. I know it would trigger my anxiety disorder and I would get paranoid really fast, so am glad you're not.

If they have the time and effort to do this every day...what else might they be doing?

My first thought was - an ex or a man you've said 'no' to. Someone you've refused a second date with perhaps?

Or...any women in the workplace who seem to make you their competition? Or any who may fancy your partner?

Someone out there means you harm and its escalating.

The scorned OW of your DH?

I'd log it with the police as well, OP.
Very unnerving as it definitely seems like someone is out to smear you locally.

It would be so that it is logged in case things escalate.

I think you missed the point if this post and it’s a great idea. When they asked if you had social media it was to suggest you post that your on your way to the police to report and that may stop the calls.

It’ll be someone you wouldn’t expect, and the reasons probably won’t make any sense either, it’s not something a sane person does it’s akin to stalking.

I’d agree with PO above, put on social media you’re on your way to report it to the police and see if it stops.

Can’t you just change your number?

Do you have teenagers?

Sometimes they (or their friends) think these type of pranks are funny.

Oh I listen to lots of true crime podcasts so I'd be worried about escalation of harassment and would also log it with the police
It might turn out to be some immature wanker playing a practical joke that's not funny, but obviously it could be something to take more seriously

Did the calls about no shows happen on Monday?

She could but she shouldn't have to
Someone is deliberately trying to cause the op unnecessary stress in her life. Why would someone do that? Why is someone going out their way, taking time out their life to cause drama on hers?

It's not a mistake. It's multiple restaurants and they all have her name. It needs to stop, not the op change her number. It just shouldn't happen full stop.

Sorry I have just re read the op it has been over 6 weeks
I was just wondering if they booked for Monday could it be a shit attempt an at April fools joke

Definitely let the police know.

They may have some advice or further questions.

I would plot out where all the restaurants are and see if there’s anyone you know who lives in the area or connected to the area, might narrow it down.
Or, as a completely out there option- is there anyone your husband knows who could be doing it?