The Mystery of 01174622042: Silent Calls and Boiler Scams Leave Brits Fuming
In the age of smartphones and instant communication, few things are as frustrating as an unknown number repeatedly calling you. For hundreds of Brits, the number 01174622042 has become a source of irritation, confusion, and even concern. From silent calls to persistent boiler scheme scams, this number has sparked a wave of complaints across the UK. But what’s really going on? We’ve delved into the comments left by victims to uncover the truth behind this mysterious number.
Silent Calls: A Growing Nuisance
One of the most common complaints about 01174622042 is the sheer number of silent calls. Many people report answering the phone, only to be met with complete silence before the caller abruptly hangs up.
“Answered the phone, but no one spoke. Just silence, then they hung up,” wrote one frustrated individual on 18th November 2024. Another added, “They rang for ages, I picked up, and… nothing. Just dead air. What’s the point?”
These silent calls aren’t just annoying—they’re unsettling. Some commenters have speculated that the callers are testing the waters, waiting to see if the person who answers sounds vulnerable or elderly. One user even shared a clever trick: “I’ve noticed that if I leave the TV or radio on in the background, they hang up straight away. They don’t like thinking someone else might be in the room with you.”
The Boiler Scheme Scam: A Persistent Problem
While silent calls are frustrating, the real issue with 01174622042 seems to be its association with a widespread boiler scheme scam. Dozens of commenters have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to represent a “Government Replacement Boiler Scheme” or similar initiatives.
“Cold call this morning. Some woman with a foreign accent said it was about a government-sponsored boiler scheme. Yeah, right. I shouted ‘SCAM’ down the phone and hung up,” wrote one user on 18th November 2024. Another added, “They knew my wife’s name and started talking about this boiler scheme. Obviously a scam—how do they even get this information?”
The callers often use high-pressure tactics, claiming that the offer is time-sensitive or that the recipient is eligible for a free boiler replacement. However, as one commenter pointed out, “These ‘companies’ are actually scamming the government—and by extension, the taxpayer!”
How Do They Get Your Details?
One of the most alarming aspects of these calls is how personal they can be. Several commenters reported that the callers knew their names, addresses, or even details about their homes.
“A woman called and gave my exact address before launching into her spiel about the government heating scheme. It’s creepy—how did they get that information?” wrote one concerned individual on 5th November 2024. Another speculated, “Did they get my details from the electoral register? It’s really worrying.”
This level of personalisation makes the scam more convincing—and more dangerous. As one user warned, “DO NOT PROVIDE THEM WITH ANY INFORMATION. They’re criminals trying to steal your details.”
Foreign Accents and Call Centres
Many of the comments mention that the callers have foreign accents, often described as Asian or Eastern European. This has led to speculation that the calls are coming from overseas call centres.
“Carrie from the government boiler scheme had a strong foreign accent. Definitely not a UK-based call,” wrote one user on 14th November 2024. Another added, “The woman sounded Chinese and was really hard to understand. She was going on about free insulation—total scam.”
The use of foreign call centres adds another layer of complexity to the issue. As one commenter pointed out, “It’s hard to track these people down when they’re operating from abroad. They just keep changing numbers and calling again.”
TPS Registration: Does It Even Work?
Many of the victims are registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which is supposed to prevent unsolicited sales calls. However, it seems that 01174622042 is ignoring this entirely.
“I’m registered with TPS, but they still call me. It’s infuriating,” wrote one user on 8th October 2024. Another added, “TPS clearly doesn’t work anymore. These scammers just don’t care.”
This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of TPS in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams. As one commenter put it, “These people are prolific criminals. They don’t care about rules or regulations—they just want your money.”
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do if you receive a call from 01174622042? Here are some tips from the commenters:
- Don’t Engage: If you suspect it’s a scam, hang up immediately. Don’t give them any information or entertain their offers.
- Block the Number: Most phones allow you to block specific numbers. Several commenters reported success with this approach.
- Report It: If you’re registered with TPS, report the call to them. You can also report scams to Action Fraud.
- Spread the Word: Websites like yours allow people to share their experiences and warn others. As one user wrote, “I checked the number here and saw it was a scam. Thank goodness I didn’t engage!”
The Bigger Picture
The saga of 01174622042 is just one example of a much larger problem. Scam calls are on the rise, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. From boiler schemes to fake insurance offers, these criminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerable people.
As one commenter aptly put it, “These people need stopping. They’re an absolute pain and a waste of time.” Until stricter measures are put in place, it seems that Brits will have to remain vigilant—and keep sharing their experiences to help others avoid falling victim.
Have you received a call from 01174622042? Share your story in the comments below and help us raise awareness about this growing issue.
