Security

Who’s Calling from 0800 033 8055? How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams

By Rachel Brunger

Posted on March 5, 2025

It was a regular afternoon when William’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from 0800 033 8055. He hesitated for a moment. It wasn’t a number she recognized, but curiosity got the better of him. He answered.

“Hello, this is your service provider. We have an urgent issue with your account, and we need to verify your details,” the voice on the other end said, sounding professional and convincing.

William felt a wave of unease. Something didn’t seem right. His network provider had never called him like this before. When he questioned the caller, the person became pushy, insisting that he confirm his personal information to avoid service disruption. That was when William realized—this might not be his real service provider.

He quickly ended the call, but the encounter left him shaken. Had he just dodged a scam? Was the number legitimate, or was it a fraudster trying to trick him?

If you’ve ever received a call from 0800 033 8055, you might have wondered the same thing. Is it a genuine company, or is it a scam? In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about this number, explore potential risks, and equip you with essential steps to protect yourself from phone fraud.

Who Owns 0800 033 8055?

The number 0800 033 8055 is a UK freephone number associated with Three UK, supporting services like VoLTE and VToW. However, many individuals report receiving unsolicited calls from this number, raising concerns about its legitimacy.

Platforms like Truecaller have flagged it as suspicious due to frequent scam-related complaints. Discussions in Three Community forums also highlight worries about scam callers posing as Three UK representatives. Since Three UK’s use of 0800 numbers varies, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of such calls to avoid potential fraud.

Risks of Answering Calls from 0800 033 8055

Answering calls from 0800 033 8055 can lead to a range of security concerns. Scammers often use such numbers to execute a variety of fraud schemes aimed at unsuspecting victims. From identity theft to phishing scams, the risks are real and can have lasting financial repercussions.

Beware of Fake Bank Calls: If you get a call from 0800 033 8055 claiming to be your bank, asking for account details or PINs, it’s likely a scam. Remember, genuine banks never ask for sensitive information over the phone.
Avoid Malicious Downloads: If a caller from 0800 033 8055 encourages you to click a link or open a file, refrain. This could lead to installing malware that might compromise your device or steal personal data.
Guard Your Identity: Be wary if a caller from 0800 033 8055 requests personal information like your birth date or social security number. Such details can be used to commit identity theft.
Watch for Phishing Hooks: Should 0800 033 8055 call under the guise of verifying usernames or passwords for security, be skeptical. Authentic organizations will not ask for this information via phone.
The Ransomware Threat: Avoid downloading anything recommended by suspicious calls from 0800 033 8055. Ransomware could lock your device and demand a ransom, often with no restoration of access.
Subscription Traps: If 0800 033 8055 offers a product trial that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Agreeing over the phone can lead to unexpected monthly charges.
Job Scams: If 0800 033 8055 offers you a job that requires upfront payment for anything, be cautious. Genuine job offers do not require you to pay fees.
Don’t Donate to Unknown Charities: After events that tug at heartstrings, callers from 0800 033 8055 may pose as charitable organizations. Verify the charity’s legitimacy before donating.
Fake Legal Threats: If 0800 033 8055 poses as a legal or government authority claiming you owe money or face legal repercussions, verify their claims independently before responding.
Lottery or Prize Lies: Receiving a call from 0800 033 8055 claiming you’ve won a prize in a contest you don’t recall entering is a classic scam tactic. Legitimate contests do not require winners to pay fees.

What to Do to Protect Yourself from Unwanted Calls Like 0800 033 8055

Immediate Bank Contact: Quickly inform your bank to put a hold on your accounts and set up monitoring for any unusual transactions. This immediate action can prevent further unauthorized access and financial loss.
Official Fraud Reporting: Reporting your interaction with 0800 033 8055 to Action Fraud helps authorities track scam patterns and can aid in preventing similar frauds affecting others.
Secure Your Online Presence: Change your passwords for online accounts that were discussed or potentially compromised during the call. Choose complex passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security.
Revise Security Questions: Update your security questions across platforms where they might have been compromised. Choose questions and answers that are not easily guessed.
Credit Monitoring Activation: Signing up for credit monitoring services can alert you to any unauthorized attempts to open new accounts or lines of credit under your name, offering an early warning system against identity theft.
Consult Your Mobile Carrier: If you suspect that your mobile account details were compromised, discuss potential risks with your carrier, such as SIM swapping, and secure your account.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding a second layer of security through 2FA can significantly decrease the risk of unauthorized access, as it requires a second form of verification beyond just a password.
Anti-Malware Scan: If you clicked on any links provided during the call from 0800 033 8055, perform a thorough anti-malware scan to detect and remove any malicious software that might have been installed.
Financial Statements Review: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or anomalies, ensuring you catch any discrepancies quickly.

Conclusion

Getting a call from 0800 033 8055 might raise your eyebrows, and rightly so. In the world of constant contact, knowing who’s on the other end of the line is more crucial than ever. Keep your wits about you: a healthy dose of skepticism can be your best defense against phone scams.