A number of chain emails are circulating on Facebook, supposedly to raise awareness of the telephone number for Samaritans.

The problem is that many of these phone numbers are fake and do not work.

The correct phone number for Samaritans is 116123. This six-digit Access Code has been operational since 2009. Calls are free-to-caller from landlines and mobiles.

Fake or incorrect phone numbers noticed so far include:
- 0800 116123
- 0845 116123
- 08457 116 123
- 0845 909090 
- 0800 790 9090

Some are also circulating Samaritans old phone number, 0845 790 9090, which no longer works.

The correct phone number for Samaritans is 116123. Calls to 116123 are free-to-caller on landlines and on mobiles.

If you see a message promoting a fake phone number, please post a correction.