OK, if it is a hoax then I have been taken in as have many other people, including the BBC although they are far from infallible.

118800 is an existing directory enquiry service for landlines and their website is still down and displaying the following message;

"Apologies. Our website is currently unavailable as we carry out essential maintenance. However it will be available again tomorrow and you will be able to use any security code you have received to complete your ex-directory request. Please do not call 118000 for ex directory requests as you will be asked to visit our website tomorrow. . Thanks for your patience"

Beginning to look as if there is some credibility to the original e-mail I received.

It seems the system is that they do not give out your number but will advise that a connection is available and will connect callers to your number (at a charge of course). This is likely to deter idiots but not cold sales calls.

Joe - thanks for amending the thread title. I wish I had stuck the (UK) bit in at the beginning to avoid upsetting our American cousins!

Eddie