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Rolon11
Rank 2
August 21, 2023
Solved

Are these OVO text messages and calls genuine?

  • August 21, 2023
  • 26 replies
  • 32311 views

Hi there, I am getting regular txt messaging and even CALLS on my mobile number from “OVO” THEY SAY THERE ARE regarding my final bill, is this real Ovo ? if not how do they have my number, my name and knows that I just recently closed the account ?

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 28/07/26 by Ben_OVO

Firstly, this is NOT a scam. it’s legitimate and you need to call OVO’s Collections Team on 0800 069 9831 to resolve this.

 

I’m one of the forum volunteers here, dealing with security related matters is one of my specialities. Just so you’re aware, I don’t work for or act on OVO’s behalf.

 

Those messages were sent using Application 2 Person (A2P) SMS functionality. In order to claim to be “OVO” for that purpose at all, you must prove you really are “OVO”. The fact you’re getting such messages and calls is expected if there’s a debt to pay off - it’s part of the collections procedure. Once the debt is resolved, all of that gets terminated.

 

Secondly, the links are to a domain under OVO’s control. A subdomain in fact, that only someone with control over the OVO Energy domain nameservers could add - and I’m pretty certain that hardly anyone at OVO can do that.

 

You need to resolve this with OVO, probably best to do so sooner rather than later.

 

For security reasons, this comment is an automatic best answer at this time.

 

Our Collections team are available to contact between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can find further details here.

26 replies

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juliamc
Rank 20
juliamc
Rank 20
August 21, 2023

All three of those numbers have been reported as scammers. If you google ‘who is ‘ and the number. All purporting to be OVO and asking for bank card details.

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 21, 2023

At the same time however, my analysis of the links confirms that they do belong to OVO.

It’s impossible for those subdomains to be used by anyone else without OVO’s permission

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
August 21, 2023

All three of those numbers have been reported as scammers. … All purporting to be OVO and asking for bank card details.

 

So I see - I must be more vigilant! We know, though, that 08000699831 is the official number for the Collections people. It may not be surprising that some people regard it as a scam.

This must be a pretty sophisticated arrangement if it is indeed fraudulent; the text messages appear to have come from the same short code, since they have ended up associated with the same contact in Rolon’s list by the looks of it. I presume it costs the scammer a fair amount to set up and operate a free-to-call account, so it must be paying off.

Perhaps OVO should be contacting Virgin Media to enquire about the origin of these messages. We’ll probably find out that the numbers belong to tattooed enforcers in black leathers contracted by OVO to collect ...

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 21, 2023

I just tested the other two numbers using one of my burner phones - one that can’t be traced back to me at all (I have my reasons for it).

The IVR that responds appears to be running on Genesys Cloud which is the phone system OVO uses for both inbound and outbound calls from official numbers. Genesys are pretty decent at their anti-scam protections iirc, which (when combined with other sources) makes me think these are possibly legitimate.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
juliamc
Rank 20
juliamc
Rank 20
August 21, 2023

If this is OVO asking for a bill to be settled they’re going about it in a rather suspicious way. I’m not sure many people would just phone the number and hand over their card details.

    R
    Rank 2
    Rolon11Author
    Rank 2
    August 21, 2023

    I will let you know asap if “OVO” CALLS ME AGAIN THIS WEEK for the same account debt:) thanks for your replies , it just scares me all those things , It was interesting that the second phone today they told me they dont have my email address but they can confirm which day my DD is being taken!

    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    August 22, 2023

    Hey @Rolon11,

     

    Sorry for the issues you’re having,

     

    The number I have for the collections team is 0800 069 9831. I’d advise contacting the Collections Team directly about the alleged arrears, instead of waiting for them to call you.  As the other numbers listed I don’t recognise. 

     

    I’m going to ask about these numbers internally as I know we’ve changed the collections process slightly, i’ll report back to this topic. 

    Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
    R
    Rank 2
    Rolon11Author
    Rank 2
    August 22, 2023

    OK GUYS,  yesterday on chat to OVO help confirming my account is closed with £0.00 balance, today again txt message came through. What is this all? How am I suppose to believe anybody dealing with this?

    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    Emmanuelle_OVO
    Retired Moderator
    August 22, 2023

    Hey @Rolon11,

     

    Please call the collections team. they’ll be able to confirm if there is an arrears and whether this messages are Scam messages. 

    Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
      B
      Newcomer
      Balich77
      Newcomer
      October 26, 2023

      Hi, I am not even an OVO customer and I have just received similar text. Surely this got to be a scum?

       

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      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

      OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

      OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

      OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd