I just this minute received an unsolicited text message which, is almost certainly bogus.
I quick search on Google revealed no information about the originating number of the message itself, so I thought I'd post it here.
– NEWS ALERT: A Debt Settlement Order has been introduced, this means that people struggling with debt can apply to have it wiped off, to apply txt OK 2 stop txt STOP.
– A Debt Settlement Order has been introduced, this means people struggling with debt can apply to have if wiped off, to apply reply DEBT.
This is a scam. Even texting 'STOP' may cost you money (although there is no cencrete evidence to suggest this), and will also let the scammers/spammers know that your number is a legitimate one and may lead to more text spam.
The message above is reproduced verbatim. You'll note the use of commas instead of fullstops, the use of 'to' and then '2' later, and the phrase 'wiped off'. Wiped off what, exactly? The originator is unprofessional, and is chancing their luck.
The best thing to do is just delete this message and warn other people.
A few respondants have said that they came to this page after replying to the number, and have expressed some concern. There is no evidence to suggest that anything happens other than your number being flagged for the receipt of future messages. You may also receive a call from a so-called debt management company, so I would encourage you to ignore it, or politely decline.
I took the bold step of replying, partly because I was curious, but most because I wanted to waste their time. You can read more about it in my article Affiliate Data Systems – "Accident Claims" Scammers.
For anyone that does speak to one of the companies prepetrating this, it would be useful to know who they are, and from what number they contacted you. If we can post this number here then we can only increase awareness. I'd also be curious to know who they are buying their leads from.
For the adventurous, why not try wasting their time? String them along. You may have already cost them £10 as a potential 'lead'. By wasting their time, you prevent them from following up other leads, and will probably mean the leads company will have to refund them.
Appalling, yet fascinating, and well worth a read.
From dedicated 'leads' companies, to mobile number spoofing and bulk SIM card buying on Ebay, the setup is quite elaborate, but relatively simple to put in place (you can even pay someone else to do it for you at a cost neglibile to the equivalent advertising).
Firstly, who it isn't: Many people have speculated that several large and instantly recognisable companies may be responsible. There is no evidence to suggest this. This incessant and remorseless spamming on a large but mainly random scale. The consequences of large companies for breaking stringent data protection rules are dire in terms of legislative action and loss of reputation and subsequent business.
My original response to this question was "I don't know", and after a lot of investigation, I still don't. However there's a good reason for this, because the answer is "many".
One thing that I have found out is that the Manchester area is seemingly a hotbed for these sorts of companies, with a number of respondents reporting having received calls from 0161 number. I also had a conversation with one recently, again a Manchester-sounding accident with an 0161 number.
Any other useful links relating to the above would also be appreciated. It'll all help build a better picture of what's happening.
I don't recommend you reply, but if you have arrived here after doing so, I would be grateful to hear of your experiences, company names, etc. Every comment is moderated, so if you would prefer for it not to be published then just indicate as such and it won't be.
If you receive a call after reading this, then try to find out as much info as possible, and let me know. Keep them on the phone, waste their time, try and scam them back!!!
I really can't express enough my thanks to everyone that has contributed. Since posting the original article I've received an unprecedented response from people. In a Google search for Debt Settlement Order this post will be ranked in the top three! Thank you so much, everyone, for commenting. Please keep them coming, and of course let's get this recognised by BBC Watchdog.
17th January 2011 – Original article (this article) posted.
20th March 2011 – Received Get a 15K Loan Fast text message. Subsequent article posted.
28th March 2011 – Called by Affiliate Data Systems and subsequent article posted.
29th March 2011 – Debt Relief Order spam variant encountered and subsequent article posted.
2nd April 2011 – Simon Read covered it in Consuming Issues: Scam debt text hopes to trick the vulnerable in the Independent Newspaper.
4th April 2011 – 3750 Accident Claims Text Message article posted.
5th April 2011 – New Legislation – Debt Written Off spam variant encountered and subsequent article posted.
28th April 2011 – Two DEBT FREE message from Per Ltd spam text messages recieved and subsequent article posted.
11th May 2011 – Mis-Sold Loan Insurance Spam Text Message received and subsequent article posted.
6th June 2011 – You have still not claimed the compensation for your accident – Text Message Scam reported and subsequent article posted.
22nd June 2011 – Looking for a loan or payday – Spam Text Message received and subsequent article posted.
21st July 2011 – Government Debt Help Spam Text Message received and subsequent article posted.
22nd August 2011 – Loans, Credit Card Interest & Charges Frozen – Spam Text Message received and subsequent article posted.
"Write off up to 80% of your debt usingGOVERNMENT LEGISLATIOM for people struggling with debt For more information text back 'INFO' or 'STOP' to opt out." This came from +447732687173. I texted INFO and got a call from 'National Debt Advice' Manchester. When I asked for their address they hung up.
Have had a text from+447733385214. "New 2014 law states that we now need to write off your debt ASAP, it will lower your bills, to get your free info pack sent out in the post reply DEBT". Think this a scam so have deleted it.
Free Msg: Important records indicate you are entitled to £4250 from Mis-sold Loan Insurance (PPI). To calim reply YES to this message. Thank you.
Due to new legislation,those struggling with debt can now have it written off…………….
I have had the text and a call from 01142935077 which will not take no for an answer.