Receiving a call from an unknown number can be unsettling, especially when the number keeps showing up repeatedly. One such number in the UK that has raised widespread concerns is 08005610170. On the surface, it looks like a regular 0800 freephone number. However, numerous reports from users indicate harassment, repetitive calls, and potential fraud. This comprehensive guide explores everything about this number, its potential risks, how to verify legitimacy, and steps to protect yourself.
Quick Info
| Feature | Quick Info |
|---|---|
| Number | 08005610170 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Network | Virgin Media Ltd |
| Reported As | Mixed – some legitimate, many users report harassment or scam-like behavior |
| Purpose of Calls | Capital One account updates, payment reminders, debt collection, marketing calls |
| User Rating | Dangerous / Harassing |
| Pick-up Rate | Low to moderate (varies due to repeated hang-ups or silent calls) |
| Common Scam Signs | Repeated calls, silent or automated calls, pressure for personal info, spoofed caller ID |
| Top Calling Times | Morning and early afternoon |
| Action to Take | Do not share personal info; verify via official Capital One customer service before responding |
Understanding 08005610170
08005610170 is a UK-based number commonly associated with Capital One, a major financial services provider. Calls from this number can range from legitimate account communications to potentially fraudulent attempts.
Key Facts About the Number:
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Registered as a freephone 0800 number in the UK.
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Linked officially to Capital One UK, used for customer service or debt collection.
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Reports from users classify it as harassing or dangerous due to unsolicited and repetitive calls.
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Scammers may spoof this number to make it appear genuine.
Although the number is real and verified, its behavior has raised alarms, especially among users who do not have a Capital One account. Understanding the nature of these calls is crucial to staying safe.
Why People Receive Calls from 08005610170
There are several reasons you might see this number on your phone. Some calls are legitimate, while others may be suspicious or fraudulent.
1. Legitimate Capital One Communications
If you have a Capital One account, calls may include:
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Payment reminders for overdue bills
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Account security verification for unusual transactions
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Notifications about changes in credit card terms or updates
Even when the call is legitimate, never provide sensitive information directly. Instead, hang up and call Capital One via their official customer service number to verify the communication.
2. Marketing and Promotional Calls
Capital One may also contact customers for promotional purposes. These calls can include:
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Offers for new credit cards or products
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Loan and financing options
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Special banking services
If you do not wish to receive these marketing calls, you can request to opt out via official channels.
3. Wrong Numbers or Automated Dialing
Some calls are accidental or generated by automated systems. For example:
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Previous owners of your phone number may have been Capital One customers
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Mis-dialed calls may accidentally reach your number
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Automated calling systems may contact multiple numbers, resulting in repetitive calls
4. Potential Scams
Reports suggest that some calls from 08005610170 may be fraudulent. Common scam behaviors include:
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Aggressive tone demanding immediate payment
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Requests for passwords, PINs, or banking details
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Silent calls or immediate hang-ups
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Multiple repeated calls despite blocking
These calls are likely robocalls or spoofed numbers, and caution is strongly advised.
Real User Experiences
User reports provide valuable insights into how 08005610170 operates:
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Some users have received multiple calls daily, including voicemails in the early morning.
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Blocking the number often does not prevent repeated calls.
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Individuals without any Capital One account report receiving harassing calls, indicating spoofing.
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On community platforms like Tellows, UnknownPhone, and WhoCalled, this number is consistently rated as dangerous.
These experiences emphasize the need for vigilance and highlight why you should verify calls before responding.
How to Verify the Legitimacy of 08005610170
If this number calls you, stay calm and follow these steps to stay safe:
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Refrain from sharing any personal or financial information during the call.
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Ask the caller to verify their identity. Legitimate representatives can provide details that only Capital One would know.
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Hang up and call back using the official Capital One number found on their website.
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Check online reviews and reports on reverse phone lookup sites.
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Trust your instincts—if the call seems suspicious, treat it as potentially fraudulent.
These steps prevent exposure to scams and protect your personal information.
Warning Signs of Scam or Harassing Calls
Knowing what to look for is essential to staying safe. Watch for the following red flags:
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Any requests for confidential details like passwords or PINs
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High-pressure tactics demanding immediate action
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Silent or hang-up calls immediately after answering
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Repetitive calls that ignore your request to stop
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Offers that seem too good to be true
Recognizing these patterns can save you from potential financial or identity-related harm.
Legal Protections in the UK
The UK has strong protections to shield consumers from unwanted calls. Relevant authorities include:
| Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Telephone Preference Service (TPS) | Opt-out of unsolicited marketing calls |
| Ofcom | Handles complaints about nuisance or harassing calls |
| Action Fraud | Reports potential scams or financial fraud |
Registering with TPS, reporting suspicious numbers, and contacting Ofcom can reduce harassment and help authorities track fraudulent activity.
Steps to Protect Yourself from 08005610170
Here’s how to defend against repeated or suspicious calls:
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Use call-blocking features on your mobile device.
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Never share banking information or sensitive personal details.
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Hang up immediately on calls with high-pressure tactics.
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Contact Capital One directly using official contact details.
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Teach your family, particularly older relatives, about typical scam strategies.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to harassment or scams.
What to Do If You Already Answered
If you’ve already picked up a call from 08005610170:
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Do not provide further information if you feel the call was suspicious.
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Document the call—note time, date, and what was discussed.
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Verify with Capital One via their official contact number.
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Monitor bank accounts for unusual transactions if financial information was shared.
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Report the call to Action Fraud or Ofcom if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Taking prompt action can minimize potential risks and prevent misuse of your information.
Understanding Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers often manipulate caller ID systems to make it appear that calls come from legitimate sources. This is why even a verified 0800 number can be used in a scam.
Signs of spoofing:
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Receiving calls at odd hours or repeatedly
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Callers asking for immediate payments or sensitive information
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Unfamiliar details about your account
Always verify independently before acting on any such calls.
Regional Patterns of 08005610170 Calls
Reports indicate that certain regions in the UK receive more calls from this number than others:
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London
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South East England
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North West England
The reason for this concentration may be due to targeted marketing, debt collection practices, or scam networks exploiting specific demographics.
Tools and Apps to Block Scam Calls
Several apps can help identify and block harassing numbers like 08005610170:
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Truecaller – identifies spam calls and blocks unwanted numbers
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Hiya – alerts users about suspected scam calls
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Should I Answer? – community-driven database to rate and report numbers
Using these apps alongside phone settings adds an extra layer of protection.
Why Awareness is Key
Understanding numbers like 08005610170 empowers you to make safer decisions. Being aware helps:
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Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information
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Recognize scam patterns and harassment
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Decide wisely whether to pick up or ignore incoming calls.
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Report suspicious activity to authorities
Knowledge and vigilance are your best defense against fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who owns 08005610170?
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This number is officially linked to Capital One UK, used for customer service and account-related calls.
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Is it safe to answer calls from this number?
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Only if you are a Capital One customer expecting a call. Otherwise, it’s best to block or ignore it.
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Can 08005610170 be a scam?
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Yes, scammers can spoof this number. Always verify through official Capital One contacts before sharing personal info.
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Why am I getting calls if I don’t have a Capital One account?
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Possible reasons include wrong numbers, previous owner of the phone, automated calls, or scam attempts.
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What should I do if I suspect a call is fraudulent?
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Hang up immediately, do not share personal information, and contact Capital One through official channels to verify.
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Conclusion
While 08005610170 may be linked to legitimate Capital One communications, user reports, repetitive calls, and potential spoofing make it a number to approach cautiously.
Key takeaways:
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Do not disclose your personal or financial details to callers you don’t know.
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Verify the caller via official channels before taking action
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Use call-blocking tools and report suspicious numbers
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Register with TPS and alert Ofcom if harassment persists
Staying informed, alert, and proactive ensures that you remain protected against scams, harassment, and potential financial fraud. Always prioritize safety and verification when handling unknown calls.
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