Scam calls

[Nik07]

I took out a contract with Sky mobile in Summer 2024. Immediately I started receiving scam calls from people pretending to be Sky, it happened so often that I became quick tempered with another scammer that they messed up and swore on the phone, calling me all sorts of names, while my 3 year old son was present and he heard everything. After that, I called sky and told them everything that I had been experiencing- at this point it was taking a toll on my mental health. Sky said they have never once cold called me, and it must be scammers. The first time sky wouldn't offer to change my phone number. This had been going on for over 6 months. The second time after escalating my case, they changed my number free of charge. But guess what happened? The scam calls continued. On the new number I have about 15-20 blocked numbers from scammers and I don't know what to do. [Removed]. I need some advice as I'm now probably going to take legal action. 

Moderator actions: Removed unfounded allegations

[Mark39]

I agree - scam calls are a frustration. Your best bet is simply not to engage with them, if the call is unsolicited or unexpected. Just hang up. Sky offer some advice here: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-scams-help

In relation to legal action - who would you sue, given that the calls aren't from Sky?

[Nik07]

I think you underestimate the severity of of how much scam calls can affect someone's life. And I've never in my 35 years been harassed and scam called the way I have done since moving to Sky as customer. It isn't normal. And if Sky can't sort it the first time then how do we know Sky aren't cold calling people? We don't. And in terms of legal it would be to get out of my contract due to the nature of what's happening. I didn't say anything about suing. There are other methods to legal action and support. 

[PandJ2020]

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@Nik07 wrote:

And in terms of legal it would be to get out of my contract

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Dataplan contracts have a minimum term of 12 months - it appears you are past this.  Simply move to another provider and retain the device plan with Sky.

[caesarome]

@Nik07 

You could also ask Sky to cancel the sim and to issue you with a new one that will come with a different number and while all mobile numbers are recycled and there is a chance this could happen again you would have to be pretty n lucky to have it occur with two consecutive sims.

[Nik07]

Hi this is exactly what has happened to me, if you've read my post. It has happened a second time 😞

[2muchTV]

I hate scam calls with a passion. My modus operandi for the past few years is to put phone on silent or vibrate. I save all useful numbers. 

If a call comes from a number I do not recognise, I either (1) ignore and see if a voicemail is left or (2) answer and state that "I make no decisions via unsolicited calls, send a letter or email, goodbye." Then immediately end the call. 

[Sharcuk]

@Nik07 The advice from @2muchTV is spot on.

Scammers can use what is knows "robocalling". A computer program generates thousands of random telephone numbers, which are then dialled. If any of these random calls are answered, the program will put a flag against the number as being a legitimate number in use.

These flagged lists are then either sold on or used by the caller for any number of nefarious reasons!

[TimmyBGood]

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@Nik07 wrote:

And if Sky can't sort it the first time then how do we know Sky aren't cold calling people? We don't.

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UK businesses are heavily regulated and face punitive fines for breaking distance selling regulations: strangely enough the criminals (particularly when operating from overseas) worry rather less about such things.

Where Sky does make outbound calls, typically in the context the Sky Protect Device Insurance scheme, these are specifically permitted by their Data Protection declaration.

https://www.sky.com/help/articles/privacy-hub-privacy  

[twilight+princess]

Does your phone have the option to announce calls? This is where calls are blocked until the caller gives a name, then the recipient can either accept the call or not. This stops robocallers & scammers as they just move on when they're ask to give a name.
If you're using an answerphone then you can also set it to all calls then if you receive a call scammers usually hang up & any other calls can be answered.