Think I've been scammed, please help ASAP

[fortyforty]

Just had a phone call from a mobile number, answered it as expecting a call from a family member who's number I don't have stored. Ever since then (30 minutes ago) I've had 180 missed calls from different numbers. I've had texts saying 'you just rang me. Who is this?'

I'm on hold to Vodafone but clearly their customer services are in another country and she doesn't have a clue what I'm saying.

What the hell is going on? I'm having what's app calls and everything. I'm answering none of them. Has my phone number been hacked? Help please.

I had this and made the mistake of calling a number back. Basically it's one of those scams where you get charged ridiculous amounts for calling them back. Think I was charged a fiver for a 10 second call. You should be ok if you don't ring them back. They drop call in the hope you return the call

Do you have a landline? You could turn off your mobile and ring Vodafone customer services from the land line?

As others have correctly explained, it's called spoofing. it is possible to make a phone call look like it is coming from a number which is not at all where the call has actually originated. The 230+ people who have called you will be some of thousands of people who have a received a call which appears to have come from you, even though it hasn't. Because it's a legitimate mobile number, a lot of people obviously decide to call it back to see who it is. You have not made any of these calls. It is a common practice for scammers to cover up overseas numbers that people are less likely to answer. A similar tactic is also used by scammers to make it look as though phone calls are coming from your bank, or credit card company etc even though they aren't.

Just make sure that your number isn't being used to re-route cheap-cost calls with you picking up the bill.

Can you check your bill online now and see what recent call charges there have been?

I would be worried that there using your number and racking up a big bill, I would check your charges online if you can, as others have said don't call or text any of the numbers.

Can you not ask Vodafone to change your mobile number? I know it's a pain and you'd need to update your number to lots of people/ companies but that may be the easiest option.

.

Lycamobile piggyback on another network and just apply a cover to appear as a separate network. They don’t own any infrastructure themselves. Tesco and Virgin Mobile operate in the same way. They primarily target migrants, and connect them to their own VOIP network to carry outbound international calls; that’s where they make their profits. Back in 2010/2011 it was O2’s network they piggybacked on, but they may have changed as I’ve been out of telecoms a few years.

No matter what faceplate the callers have on their numbers, it’s scary as fuck

You can change your number with Vodafone but most network providers will charge you for it unless you have a crime reference number. If you are looking to change your number contact non emergency police and report it and get a crime reference number. Vodafone will then change your number for free.

Most phones will let you block individual numbers as well. Might take a while though if you are getting several calls from different numbers.

I hope you get it sorted.

Basically I'm having calls constantly and texts from random people saying 'you rang me, who is this?' They want me to reply. I haven't obviously

I'm now on 275 missed calls from completely different numbers. They are contacting me on what's app too

Vodafone are ringing me back tomorrow and have contacted the police apparently. Until then nothing I can do. Dh is telling me to answer the what's app ones but I'm not going too

My Vodafone bill is still the same - I've checked. And Vodafone have assured me that I will not get charged for anything even if there is

Don’t engage with any of them on WhatsApp, SMS or phone call - ignore them all

I would leave your phone on do not disturb and I imagine you will probably end up with a new number, at least it seems to be in hand with Vodaphone

What a pita for you

What's scary is my phone is on do not disturb but a couple to calls are even getting through that. Don't know why that is

Switch your phone to airplane mode.

Bit of a derail but lycamobile were in the news last year for money laundering and shady dealings

www.buzzfeed.com/heidiblake/uk-refused-to-raid-lycamobile-citing-its-tory-donations

Hope it’s sorted soon OP, sounds awful

Get rid of vodafone at the first opportunity you get, their customer service is dreadful.

Just be careful that if you ring Vodafone they haven't somehow diverted your phone so you are actually ringing the scammers instead. Phone Vodafone from a totally different phone number!

Bloody hell what a nightmare. Airplane mode is a good suggestion

Block the numbers, block unknown numbers aswell and change your whatsapp privacy settings so only your contacts can see your profile etc. Nothing else u can do appart from that or change your number. X

In your shoes I would turn phone off and take SIM card out. If you called Vodafone they will have a record of your call. Tomorrow call them and ask about activity on your account

If people call twice in 2 or 3 minutes then it will come through do not disturb, if it’s an iPhone I think you can change this so that it doesn’t and just allow your favourites to get through also. I would check do not disturb settings

I think that if your phone is on Do Not Disturb but a number calls you 3 times in a short period of time, it’ll get through - it’s a feature to enable you to still be contactable in case of an emergency and someone urgently needing to get hold of you. Those calls getting through are probably just trying your number repeatedly and so that feature is kiscking in.

X-posted with you Eff

Oh what a nightmare, I feel for you. As hard as it is to do, I agree with what others have said and don't answer or respond to any more calls/texts.

I'd consider changing your phone number if you possibly can and at least you'd get a break from the spam calls.

If no money has been charged to your account then that's a big relief.