In the digital age, where convenience and connectivity are paramount, the surge in scam and spam calls has become a worrying trend. One such number that has recently surfaced in numerous scam alerts is 0331 630 9046, often stylized as 03316309046. This article explores everything you need to know about this number — from its origin and reported behavior to the methods scammers use and the best ways to stay safe.
🔍 What is 03316309046?
The number 03316309046 is a UK-based non-geographic number, meaning it’s not associated with a particular city or region. These numbers are often used by businesses because they provide a national presence and are generally charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers.
However, non-geographic numbers are also frequently exploited by scammers who take advantage of the anonymity these numbers provide. Numerous reports across online forums and call identification platforms have linked 03316309046 to fraudulent activity, particularly involving housing repair scams and unsolicited marketing.
🛑 Reports and Complaints Associated with 03316309046
Consumers in the UK and even abroad have raised red flags about the behavior of this number. Based on insights from platforms such as WhoCalled.co.uk, UnknownPhone.com, and Tellows.co.uk, the following patterns have emerged:
🚨 1. Housing Repairs Scam
Callers using this number often claim to be from a housing authority or a home improvement company. They offer fake services like:
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Free boiler replacements
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Loft insulation checks
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Roof repairs
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Grants from the “government” for elderly or disabled residents
Victims report that the caller tries to:
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Book a home inspection
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Ask for personal identification
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Pressure the homeowner into agreeing to services that don’t exist
📞 2. Aggressive Cold Calling
Some users have mentioned receiving multiple calls per day from this number. The calls are usually:
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Unsolicited
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Poorly scripted
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Difficult to hang up on due to aggressive sales tactics
🛑 3. Attempts to Extract Personal Information
Callers sometimes try to extract sensitive information under the guise of offering assistance. This includes:
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Full names
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Addresses
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Date of birth
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Financial or billing details
🔎 Is 03316309046 Legitimate?
Based on available public information, there is no legitimate registered company associated with the number 03316309046. This lack of transparency combined with consistent user complaints has led scam alert websites to categorize this number as “dangerous” or “suspicious.”
Furthermore:
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No official business listings exist for this number.
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Reverse lookups reveal no credible organization.
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It is often reported as part of mass robocall campaigns.
🌐 Online Resources Highlighting the Scam
Several online platforms provide reviews and community warnings about this number. Here are a few examples:
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Who-called.co.uk: Tags the number as “scam call,” with dozens of users confirming fraudulent behavior.
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Unknownphone.com: Marks it as a scam linked with housing-related fraud.
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Tellows.co.uk: Offers crowd-sourced ratings and complaint details.
These platforms serve as public watchdogs, offering a space for consumers to share their experiences and issue warnings to others.
💡 How to Respond If You Get a Call from 03316309046
If you receive a call from 03316309046, here’s what you should do:
✅ 1. Do Not Share Personal Information
Never reveal your address, financial information, or identity to an unverified caller. Scammers often use partial info they already have to get more.
✅ 2. Hang Up Immediately
If the call seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to hang up. You owe no politeness to scammers.
✅ 3. Block the Number
You can block the number on your mobile device or landline, and even use third-party apps like:
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Truecaller
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Hiya
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RoboKiller
✅ 4. Report the Call
You can report the number to:
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Action Fraud (UK): The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud.
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Ofcom: Regulatory authority that can investigate misuse of telecommunications services.
🧠 Why Scammers Use Numbers Like 03316309046
Scammers deliberately use 0331 numbers because:
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They’re non-geographic (not tied to any location)
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They appear professional or “official”
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They are cheap to acquire and rotate frequently
This makes it easier to disguise their operations, operate at scale, and replace the number when it eventually gets flagged.
🏠 Target Audience of the Scam
Reports show that elderly people, homeowners, and individuals receiving government aid are often targeted. The scammers use urgency and fear tactics like:
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“You’re not compliant with safety standards.”
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“This is your last chance to get free repair services.”
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“Your property may be at risk.”
These tactics aim to bypass logical thinking and get the victim to act quickly without verification.
📵 Real-Life User Experiences
Here are a few anonymized experiences posted on scam warning forums:
“I received a call from 03316309046 about loft insulation. They said I was eligible for a free survey due to government grants. When I asked for proof, they hung up.” – UK Resident
“They asked to speak to my elderly mother and insisted on sending someone over the next day. Luckily, I intercepted the call.” – Concerned family member
🔒 How to Stay Safe from Phone Scams
Below are best practices to keep yourself and your family safe:
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Enable call screening apps on smartphones
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Register with TPS (Telephone Preference Service) in the UK to reduce unsolicited calls
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Educate elderly family members about common scam tactics
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Cross-check with official websites if any service is claimed by the caller
🧾 Legal Status and Consequences for Scammers
While scam calls are illegal under the UK’s Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and Data Protection Act, enforcement is challenging. However:
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Authorities can fine or prosecute persistent offenders.
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Consumer watchdogs like Which? and Citizens Advice advocate for stricter penalties.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The telephone number 03316309046 is linked with widespread scam activity, particularly in the housing and home improvement space. If you receive a call from this number, treat it as suspicious and take appropriate steps to protect yourself.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using technology and psychological tricks to exploit trust. Awareness is your best defense. Share your experiences online and encourage others to remain cautious.
At Scroll Blogs, we aim to keep you informed and safe from fraudulent activities. Stay alert, stay secure.