30/01/2024
Afternoon Laundry Lovelies!
What a great week its been... said no-one ever. I am at home today nursing a chest infection - and to add to that, I have discovered that our landline telephone number for our shop has been 'spoofed'.
'Spoofing' involves the unauthorised use of a legitimate telephone number allowing any type of scammer to hide their true caller ID, effectively allowing them to call victims using Internet based VPN systems from anywhere in the world whilst masquerading under the guise of a legitimate UK telephone number. I have had a number of local people call me over the past couple of months asking me what business I am, and that they are returning a 'missed call' from my shop. I can tell you, I have called none of these people.
My regulars well know the amount of j***y 'scam' calls I get here in the shop almost daily from UK numbers using this very same 'spoofing' model. Now the tables have turned, and thanks to my less-than-helpful telecoms provider, scammers are now using MY landline number to call potential victims.
Having been told today by my provider "sorry mate, this happens alot and we can't do anything to stop the calls" - I have now formally reported this issue to Action Fraud UK to keep a record of the same.
For the record, I NEVER make random sales calls, or ask for any personal info (such as bank detail, etc), and if you are my customer and I need to speak with you - I will ALWAYS leave you a voice message asking you to call me back.
For our regulars, and others with a job in with us - please be on your guard if you see a missed call from my number - as I have no idea just how many scammers have 'spoofed' my number to snare new victims. If you are not sure, please just give me a quick buzz back or drop me a message on my mobile. Again, if I am calling you and you don't answer (which I can't blame you for really!), I will leave you a voicemail so that you know its me.
Our landline number is 01992 946946 - so please be aware that it may not be me. Apologies for the sheet length of this post - but I have spent almost the entire afternoon trying to get to the bottom of this, and the above is the best warning I can give to everyone.
Thanks as always for your continued support 😊
Sarah
