PSA - Latest telephone scam - Child Protection

[Trinity]

Just as a warning to others, especially newbies who often get caught out, there is a new advertising phone scam going around pretending to be from Child Protection.

I've had a 'number withheld' call presented to my phone several times in the last two weeks, I don't tend to answer withheld numbers, knowing if it's a new client they will leave a message and my existing clients are all stored so their number shows. This one only came in during the week and during business hours so I knew it was an outbound dialler of some description.

Today I answered it as I had time to deal with it and the caller started by asking to speak to me (by using my first time like she knew me) when I asked who was calling she replied 'it's Sarah from Child Protection', I said I think you have the wrong number I haven't contacted Child Protection....she then said that someone had called me back in July (wrong) and it was regarding the drug and alcohol abuse in children protection leaflets and booklets...I said I wasn't interested and she slammed the phone down. Advertising scam!!!

This is along the similar lines of the fire service/ambulance/wallplanner/booklets thing that's been around for years but they're obviously hooking into the lastest 'fad' of child protection.

I'm hoping by putting this on here it prevents someone getting conned

 

[Steph41]

Thank you for this I didn't know but I do now x

 

[Metamorfosis]

I've had this one twice too

Sent from my SM-G850F using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[pure]

How low will these people go?! :grr:

 

[JulesLondon]

I had this as well!!!! Didn't even realise it was a scam but it kept cutting out so basically said no thanks to whatever it was they were asking from me. Thought it was very strange they said I had contacted child protection previously as well (why would I do that and not even remember?!?!)

How horrible. I hope no one gets caught out!

 

[beautyxperts]

That company is terrible - I'm sure they go under different company names but are based in Manchester somewhere, they also do doctors appointment cards too x

 

[Stook]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm very new to this but would be potentially sucked in as child protection is very close to my heart.

Appreciate it.

 

[nicole333]

Oh I can't wait for this one, bring it on.:twisted:

 

[Bel's Gels]

Here in Australia I constantly get calls from the Childhood Cancer Fund. They call but hang up as soon as you answer.

The number is displayed and when you call back you get a recorded message saying you missed a call from the Childhood Cancer Fund (ummmmm, no I didn't!!! YOU hung up on me).

It then gives you a list of options, the first being making a donation!!!!

Another is to have your number removed from the calling list. I have done this many times but they still call!

The last time I gave them a piece of my mind. Told them their practices were rude and they were ruining the reputation of a well known charity. I told them it borders on harassment and I will be reporting them to the ombudsmen and will NEVER personally donate to that charity.

Needless to say it fell on deaf ears and I still get calls even though they reassured me time and time again my number was on the do not call list!

Oh and a great way I deal with telemarketers or annoying callers is to just put them on hold and leave them there! LOL.

 

[martinaoslov]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll be sharing this to family and friends. Nothing beats being aware and vigilant to protect ourselves from falling victims to these phone schemes.

 

[martinaoslov]

By the way, I found several phone numbers reportedly used in a similar scam listed at Callercenter.com and you guys might find the info useful, like add them to your block list in advance. Let's not give these scammers a chance.