Receiving unexpected phone calls can be unsettling, especially when the number looks unfamiliar or you are not expecting any customer-service contact. Many people in the UK have recently reported calls from 01438989230, often with callers claiming to be from EE or from one of EE’s partner organisations. While some believe the call is genuine, others have raised concerns about spam, suspicious behaviour, or even potential scams.
The problem becomes more confusing when the same phone number appears in both legitimate call lists and scam-report websites. So, what does this number actually belong to? Is the call genuinely from EE or Step Change, or is it a scammer using number-spoofing tactics?
This in-depth article explains everything you need to know about 01438989230, including the number’s background, why people receive calls from it, how to tell if it’s real, and what steps to take if you feel uncertain.
Quick Infometion
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Look-ups | 4,551 |
| Pick-up rate | 34% |
| Top countries | United Kingdom |
| Usually Calls | Night / Business hours |
| Address | Stevenage, United Kingdom ⸱ 04:37 |
| Phone Type | Fixed line – Voiceflex Limited |
| Associated With | EE (direct partner Step Change) |
| User Rating | Harassing / Dangerous |
| Number of Reports | 9 |
| Last Report | 3 months ago |
| First Report | 15 months ago |
| Caller Behaviour | Mispronounces name, background noise, pressuring offers |
| Common Complaint | Sales call, account verification, repeated calls |
| Legitimate Use | Customer service, debt advice, financial assistance |
| Scam Risk | Possible spoofing by scammers |
Understanding the Number 01438989230
The number 01438989230 is based in Stevenage, United Kingdom, and it is registered as a landline number under a telecom company named Voiceflex Limited. Voiceflex is known for providing telecommunication services to businesses, which means this number is likely used by a commercial organisation rather than an individual.
The number is widely associated with Step Change, a recognised debt-advice and financial-support charity that collaborates with the mobile network provider EE. Several online reports mention that EE uses certain phone numbers operated by partner agencies for customer-outreach calls, contract upgrades, or financial-assistance programs. This number falls within a range that is commonly linked to EE’s partners.
Although the number appears legitimate in many records, users have reported mixed experiences—some positive, some concerning. This combination is one of the main reasons people feel unsure about answering calls from 01438989230.
Why You Might Be Receiving Calls From 01438989230
There are several genuine reasons why this number might be contacting you. At the same time, there are reasons why a scammer might spoof this number to appear trustworthy. Understanding both sides helps you judge the legitimacy of the call.
1. Step Change Contacting You for Financial Support
Step Change is a trusted UK charity that provides free financial guidance and debt-management assistance. If you have previously interacted with them—directly or indirectly—they might call you for:
-
Updating you about your debt-management plan
-
Confirming information related to your financial case
-
Offering support if you have fallen behind on payments
-
Discussing financial relief options you might qualify for
In many cases, individuals receive calls from Step Change after being referred by their mobile or broadband provider. If you are an EE customer experiencing difficulty paying your bills, you may have automatically been added to a support list.
If you have never dealt with Step Change, such a call may come as a surprise—and that alone is enough reason to verify the caller before sharing personal information.
2. EE Contacting You Through a Direct Partner
EE sometimes uses third-party partners to manage customer outreach, especially for:
-
Contract upgrades
-
Promotional offers
-
Bill reminders
-
Payment arrangements
-
Account updates
If the caller claims they are contacting you “on behalf of EE,” this may be accurate. EE confirms that some partner companies are authorised to place outbound customer calls. However, it is equally true that scam callers often impersonate EE because the brand is widely recognised.
If the caller mentions special offers expiring soon, unexpected discounts, or account improvements, take this as a sign to verify authenticity before agreeing to anything.
3. Routine Customer-Service Follow-Up
Some customers report calls about routine matters, such as:
-
Verifying account details
-
Confirming mobile-plan preferences
-
Discussing recent service changes
-
Checking if you need assistance with payments
Although these calls can be legitimate, scammers copy these scenarios as well. If the caller asks for personal details too quickly, or if they avoid answering basic verification questions, the call may not be genuine.
4. Wrong Number or Mistaken Identity
It’s surprisingly common for people to receive calls meant for someone else. If the previous owner of your mobile number was an EE customer or had dealings with Step Change, you might inherit their outreach calls.
In such cases, politely informing the caller that they have reached the wrong person usually resolves the issue. If calls continue, blocking the number is appropriate.
5. Potential Telemarketing Campaigns
Even though 01438989230 is not widely associated with telemarketing, some users have reported sales-style conversations, including:
-
Plan upgrades
-
New mobile or broadband services
-
Discounts or limited-time promotions
Sales calls are not inherently dangerous, but scammers often disguise fraudulent calls as promotional offers. Always be cautious if the caller pushes you to commit immediately or asks for sensitive details.
6. Scam Callers Using Number Spoofing
Scammers frequently spoof real business numbers to gain your trust. Number spoofing allows them to show a real organisation’s phone number on your screen while calling from a different location entirely.
Signs that your call might be spoofed include:
-
Requests for immediate payments
-
Urgent threats (like service termination)
-
Pressure to reveal bank details, passwords, or verification codes
-
No willingness to let you call back through the official number
If you experience any of these, assume the call is suspicious and disconnect immediately.
User Reports and Common Complaints About 01438989230
Across various phone-report communities, people have shared their experiences. These reports often fall into categories such as:
-
Harassing
-
Dangerous
-
Suspicious
-
Persistent calling
-
Pretending to be from EE
Some of the most common user complaints include:
-
Callers mispronouncing names
-
Noisy background, suggesting a crowded call centre
-
Asking for account verification codes
-
Pressuring customers to accept offers
-
Ending the call immediately if questioned
-
Calling several times a day
-
Claiming to be from EE without proper verification
On the other hand, some people confirm:
-
The call followed up on an issue they were actually dealing with
-
The representative had accurate account information
-
The call was genuinely from Step Change regarding a payment plan
These mixed reports add to the confusion and make it essential for you to verify every unexpected call.
Is 01438989230 a Scam or Legitimate?
The most accurate answer is: The number itself is legitimate, but not every call from it may be genuine.
The number is associated with legitimate organisations. However, the widespread use of spoofing technology means scam callers can impersonate it. That is why people have vastly different experiences.
You should consider the following questions:
-
Were you expecting a call from EE or Step Change?
-
Have you recently contacted customer support about a bill or account issue?
-
Did the caller know accurate details about your account, or were they fishing for information?
-
Did the call feel rushed, pressuring, or unprofessional?
-
Did the caller avoid letting you verify them properly?
If anything feels off, treat the call as suspicious—even if the number appears legitimate.
How to Protect Yourself When You Receive a Call From 01438989230
Here are the safest steps to take when dealing with this number:
1. Do Not Share Sensitive Information Immediately
Never reveal:
-
Bank details
-
Security codes
-
Passwords
-
Full date of birth
-
PINs
-
Verification messages
Legitimate companies will not ask for such details during an initial outreach call.
2. Ask the Caller to Confirm Who They Are
You can safely ask questions such as:
-
What department are you calling from?
-
Why are you calling me today?
-
Can you confirm some non-sensitive detail about my account?
Genuine agents will cooperate. Scammers may become aggressive, vague, or defensive.
3. Hang Up and Call Back Using an Official Number
This is the safest approach. Hang up, wait for at least 1–2 minutes, and then call:
-
EE’s main customer-service number
-
Step Change’s official support line
Never use a number given by the caller themselves.
Waiting a minute before calling back prevents scammers from keeping the line open—a tactic used to trick victims into thinking they are calling an official department.
4. Report the Call If It Feels Suspicious
If you believe the call is not genuine or is unwanted, you can report it. Reporting helps prevent similar calls to others and protects consumers from potential scams.
5. Block the Number if Calls Continue Unnecessarily
If the number repeatedly calls you without reason, blocking it is the easiest solution. Most modern phones allow easy blocking from the call-history menu.
Why Some People Believe the Calls Are Harmless
Many people who received this call say the representative:
-
Was polite
-
Knew accurate details
-
Discussed genuine account issues
-
Provided reasonable financial-assistance information
-
Mentioned EE service updates
These signs suggest the call was legitimate and originated from Step Change or an EE partner. Some people also noticed the calls came during typical business hours, which supports authenticity.
Why Others Strongly Believe It Is a Scam
On the other hand, many users insist the call was fake because:
-
The caller seemed unprofessional
-
They asked for sensitive information too quickly
-
They didn’t know enough about the account
-
They created pressure to agree to offers immediately
-
They gave confusing or contradictory explanations
In some cases, callers hung up the moment questions were asked—strongly suggesting a fraudulent attempt.
Final Recommendation: What You Should Do
The number 01438989230 is linked to real organisations, but because of number spoofing and mixed user experiences, you should approach the call with caution. The best practice is simple:
If you ever feel uncertain, hang up and contact EE or Step Change directly using their official customer-support numbers.
This single step eliminates almost all risk and ensures you only speak with genuine representatives.
Conclusion
Unknown calls can be stressful, especially when the caller claims to represent a major company like EE. The phone number 01438989230 has a legitimate background and is used by Step Change and EE partners, but the reality of modern phone scams means not every call from this number is guaranteed genuine.
By understanding how the number is used, recognising warning signs, and following safe practices, you can easily protect yourself from fraud. Always verify any unexpected call, and never share personal details unless you are absolutely certain you are speaking with the correct organisation.
Staying cautious, informed, and alert is the best defence against scam calls—no matter what number appears on your screen.
Also Read More Number Topics: 08000232635
Read More Topic: HeadlineMan


[…] Also Read More Number Topics: 01438989230 […]