A mysterious phone number, 01223618049, has been causing a stir among Brits, with dozens of people reporting strange calls and messages. The number, which appears to be linked to the Cambridge area, has sparked confusion, frustration, and even alarm. From silent calls to unsolicited offers, the experiences shared by those who have encountered this number paint a picture of potential scams or aggressive sales tactics. Here’s what we know so far.

What’s Going On?

Over the past few weeks, multiple people have reported receiving calls from 01223618049. The calls seem to follow a pattern: they come out of the blue, often from an unknown number, and leave recipients wondering whether they’ve just dodged a scam or been targeted by a persistent sales team.

One user, who answered the call on 10th December 2024, described a brief and confusing interaction. “I accidentally answered the call,” they said. “Within 12 seconds, I had hung up—or they did. I think I asked which scam this was. It was a week ago, and I forgot what was said, if anything.”

Another individual, who received a call on 2nd December, shared a similar experience. “I was waiting for a call from the Cambridge area, so I answered,” they explained. “A man with a heavy accent said he was calling about my life insurance policy. I don’t have one, so I hung up.”

Blocked but Still Calling

One of the most frustrating aspects of these calls is their persistence. Despite being blocked by some users, the number continues to appear on their phones. “UNBELIEVABLE,” wrote one frustrated recipient on 2nd December. “Even though blocked, they are still calling me. Blocked but still showing the number with a blue circle by it. When will these sorts of people get the message?”

This raises questions about how the calls are being made. Are they using different numbers or technology to bypass blocks? Or is there something more sinister at play?

A Pattern of Suspicion

Many of the reports suggest that the calls are likely scams. On 29th November, one user described a call that started with an offer about roof insulation. “They asked about roof insulation, then wanted to know what dogs I had,” they said. “Then they mentioned dog insurance before I cut them off.”

Another user on the same day reported a similar experience. “Comes across as friendly,” they noted. “I’ve had them call before. They now text as well as phoning. Beware.”

The calls aren’t always interactive, though. Some recipients have reported silent calls, where the other end of the line remains eerily quiet. “I answered the call, but they didn’t speak,” said one user on 29th November. “I do not know anyone in Cambridge. I have no intention of calling back after reading these other comments.”

The Scam Angle

The majority of those who have shared their experiences believe the calls are part of a scam. One user, who received a call on 2nd December, described a chilling moment when the caller knew their name. “A guy with an Indian accent said something, but I didn’t understand him,” they said. “He knew my name, but my personal identity information was stolen a few years ago. I said, ‘I think this is a scam, and I will hang up.’ He hung up. Probably a scam.”

Another user, who called the number back after missing a call, was met with an automated response. “It went straight to an answerphone with cheesy music and an AI voice saying, ‘Please stay on the line; your call is very important to us,'” they said. “So it’s either yet another marketing survey or some other scam. Now blocked.”

What Can You Do?

If you receive a call from 01223618049 or any other unknown number, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Don’t Answer: If you don’t recognise the number, it’s best not to answer. Let it go to voicemail.
2. Block the Number: Most smartphones allow you to block specific numbers. This can help reduce the chances of receiving further calls.
3. Report It: You can report suspicious calls to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
4. Stay Informed: Share your experiences online to help others stay aware of potential scams.

The Bigger Picture

The calls from 01223618049 are part of a growing trend of unsolicited calls and messages in the UK. According to Ofcom, millions of Brits receive nuisance calls every year, ranging from scams to aggressive sales pitches. While regulations have been introduced to curb these practices, it seems that some callers are finding ways to bypass the rules.

For now, the mystery of 01223618049 remains unsolved. Is it a scam? A persistent sales team? Or something else entirely? Until more information comes to light, the best advice is to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential threats.

What People Are Saying

Here’s a roundup of some of the comments left by those who have encountered 01223618049:

• 10th December 2024: “Accidentally answered the call. Hung up within 12 seconds. Probably a scam.”
• 2nd December 2024: “Blocked but still calling. Unbelievable!”
• 2nd December 2024: “Called about a life insurance policy I don’t have. Hung up.”
• 29th November 2024: “Asked about roof insulation, then dog insurance. Cut them off.”
• 29th November 2024: “Silent call. No intention of calling back.”
• 28th November 2024: “No voicemail left. Assuming it’s a scam.”

Final Thoughts

The calls from 01223618049 have left many Brits scratching their heads. While the true nature of the calls remains unclear, the experiences shared by those who have answered suggest that caution is the best approach. Whether it’s a scam, a sales pitch, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: this number has certainly made its mark.

If you’ve received a call from 01223618049, let us know in the comments. Your experience could help others stay safe.