Can you work out what the scam is here?

[Whoiscallingplease]

I’ve received a several calls over the last few weeks, from two different mobile numbers (they look to be normal UK mobile numbers). I haven’t answered them as they’re unknown or I’ve been at work etc. but they’ve left voicemails. All of the voicemails appear to be like ‘pocket dials’ - either random background noise like doors closing and unintelligible words here and there (not call centre noise), or snippets of what sounds like an actual conservation which are really quite weird. They aren’t speaking directly to me, it’s as if someone has recorded someone else having a conversation. It’s the bizarrest thing. They’re normal voices, not like a computerised recording/robot, although I accept it could be AI.

I can only assume it is some sort of scam but I am struggling to wonder what the ‘point’ would be. Do they want me to text them and say ‘sorry, wrong number!’ so they can draw me into some sort of scam?

Has anyone else had anything like this? FWIW I have now blocked the numbers so far, so hopefully it’ll stop.

I would guess you can hear the background call centre noise. Maybe they dial lots of numbers but only talk if someone engaged?

Call centre type operation where they have equipment which autodials random numbers. A human is only engaged when the call is answered by a human. Your voicemail is recording the background noise before the calls are cut. The fact the calls are answered by your voicemail is probably picked up as the number existing so they keep trying it. Just block them.

It is definitely not call centre noise, it is silent, as if someone is just in their home with doors closing, or it’s a specific conversation between two people, not in a work context. I would feel less confused if it was a call centre!

They want you to call back

Same thing but the agents are home based? They want you to engage. Just don't.

Hadn’t thought of that - probably!!

This website should tell you if it’s suspicious or not.

https://who-called.co.uk

I’ve tried googling the numbers and it doesn’t come up with anything, they look just like normal uk mobile numbers.

Do Google the numbers but I get this at work. Home based agents trying to sell business loans or get you to change energy provider.

Very common. Just block them. If they had genuine business with you they would leave a voicemail and ask you to contact them via a checkable means.

We had that and the kids were really spooked by it. Like doors closing and it sounded like someone whispering. I downloaded an app on the phone that allowed me to block lots of numbers at the same time as the numbers were generally the same with the last one or two digits at the end different each time.

They are cloning mobile numbers. If you call back, you usually get a person who is completely confused about your call. I did it once and the guy swore he was working from home and hasn't made any phone calls all day.
If you do pick up, though, the scammers will tell you they are calling from three mobile or British gas or whatever and attempt to get you to give up your sensitive information.

I've had a couple of calls recently where it's a male voice saying 'hello its James, can you hear me?'. I don't respond, they hang up, checked the number and it's a company trying to sell solar panels.