Odd voicemail message - is it a scam or what?

[richard_c]

Not sure where to post this so trying here.

I don't get many voicemail messages and those that I do are straightforward.  Mostly its when I have missed a call. Message gets read out in full.

This morning I have one, no missed calls or anything, the message reads out my surname - just that, nothing about who its from, and goes on to say  "press any key on your keyboard to hear the rest of the message".  Its a good clear recorded message.  I have not pressed the key, just left the message there.

Questions:

• Why would any message require you to press a key to hear it?
• What potential damage could pressing a key do - link me to a premium rate number, give consent for further messages ????
• Is there any risk attached to doing as the message asks?

There is a one in 100 chance it might be something like an automated message about a doctor or dentist appointment or something - but why demand a key press to hear it? 

[Annie_N]

@richard_c

I'm not recommending that you try to pick up the message, because I really don't know, but my immediate thought when I read your post was "what about that funny voicemail option?"

It's described in the voicemail support section as:

"Send outgoing calls straight to voicemail

If you don’t have time to chat and want to just leave a message for your friends, you can do that, too. Please note this only works when calling other Vodafone mobiles.

To go straight to voicemail:

• Call 07836 121 121 free from your Vodafone mobile (standard charges apply from other phones)
• Choose option 1
• Enter any Vodafone number
• Leave your message"

I've never tried to use it, and as far as I know no-one has ever used it for a message to me, but I'm wondering if anyone else, reading this thread, may know how that feature behaves?

I'll have a go at it later, if I can, and see what result I get!

[hrym]

Don't do it.   That bit about "press any key" is not part of Vodafone voicemail, which will play the full message when you access it.   I don't know what it'll do, but it could subscribe you to a premium text scam.   If nothing else, it'll confirm that yours is an active number and probably start spamming you.
If you go into 121, there should be an option to find the number it came from, or you may need to press 9 during the message to get that - but don't, in case something else kicks in.

Leave the message.  It'll disappear after a few days.   If it was really important, whoever it was will call again, but I doubt it's anything genuine.

[richard_c]

Thanks

That confirms my starting point, don't press any buttons unless you know what they do!

Good to know that no standard Vodafone functionality requires you to press a key.

I will leave it to decay of its own accord.