I don't think the list sellers have stopped, as all that data is quite valuable, it was shocking seeing it on tv, the reporters had hidden cameras and worked undercover, as if they were ' buyers', these guys looked like drug dealers. So the government did eventually stop the practice of telesales being a legal mandate to institute a debit order but now we get the sms scams which some people must fall for otherwise these people would not be doing it! I've inherited money, won thousands in lotteries etc etc. I believe the list our details were on was illegally downloaded via my cellphone provider as I took out 2 contracts years ago and both those numbers get identical scam sms's. The inheritance ones always start with 'a relative who shares your surname blah blah blah' I often feel like sending them a message asking what my surname is as I've forgotten! After reading your & @cecicastor's responses I feel like doing it or calling the number they provide but then I'll be wasting my precious airtime! So I just block those numbers.
Have a great Sunday mr Papper & hope the family do as well, no more pet illnesses for a while at least!