If you’ve received a call from 0116 201 8000 and wondered “Who is this?”, you’re not alone. This number has been popping up on countless caller ID screens across the UK, sparking curiosity, suspicion, and even concern.
Here’s a quick summary:
Feature | Details |
Phone Number | 0116 201 8000 |
Location | Leicester, United Kingdom |
Type of Call | Mixed reports: survey, telemarketing |
Reported by Users As | Nuisance, cold call, unknown |
Reported To | WhoCalledMe, TrueCaller, Ofcom, TPS |
Safety Rating | ⚠️ Suspicious – Proceed with caution |
📱 What Is 0116 201 8000 and Who Could Be Calling?
The number 0116 201 8000 is a Leicester-based UK landline. Many users report receiving calls from this number during business hours, and the calls are often:
- Unsolicited
- Without a clear caller identity
- Related to surveys, financial services, or insurance
According to WhoCalledMe, some users say the caller claims to be conducting “market research” or representing a third-party company. However, the lack of consistent caller identification raises red flags.
⚠️ Is It a Scam or a Legitimate Call?
This is where it gets tricky. Reports are mixed.
Some possibilities:
- ✅ Legitimate Market Research: Some users report being asked about recent purchases or services.
- ❌ Aggressive Telemarketing: Others describe persistent calling even after requesting to be removed from the call list.
- 🚫 Potential Scam: A few mention being asked for personal or financial details.
Call Type | User Reports (%) |
Telemarketing | 45% |
Survey/Market Research | 30% |
Scam/Fraud | 15% |
Unknown | 10% |
So, while not conclusively a scam, this number raises enough suspicion to warrant caution.
Why Is This Number Associated with Leicester, UK?
The 0116 area code corresponds to Leicester, a major city in the East Midlands of England. While this gives a geographic origin, it doesn’t confirm the caller’s identity or purpose.
Numbers like 0116 201 8000 are sometimes used by outsourced call centers, often working on behalf of insurance or utility companies. Just because it’s a Leicester number doesn’t mean it’s local or even trustworthy.
Should You Be Concerned?
You should be alert, not alarmed. Here’s why:
- If the caller avoids identifying themselves, it’s a red flag.
- If you’re asked for personal or financial information, hang up immediately.
- Repeated missed calls or silent calls may signal an auto-dialer or scam operation.
Bottom line: Legitimate businesses identify themselves clearly. If this call doesn’t, don’t eng What Are People Saying About 0116 201 8000?
User feedback paints a mixed picture. Here’s a snapshot of comments from forums like WhoCalledMe and TrueCaller:
“They keep calling about a ‘government initiative’ I never signed up for.” – Kerry, Birmingham
“Silent call at first, then someone asked about my electricity supplier.” – Junaid, Manchester
“Called 3 times a day for a week! Blocked them.” – Sandra, London
“Survey for insurance—seemed legit but too pushy.” – Tom, Leeds
Sentiment | Frequency |
Negative | 🔴🔴🔴🔴 |
Neutral | 🟡🟡 |
Positive | 🟢 |
The majority sentiment is negative, indicating that most users find this number intrusive or bothersome.
Evidence of Harassment or Fraud
The number 0116 201 8000 has been reported for:
- Repeated calls at odd hours
- Failure to comply with “do not call” requests
- Aggressive or manipulative questioning
In some cases, users have submitted reports to:
- 📞 Ofcom
- 🔐 ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)
- 📋 TPS (Telephone Preference Service)
If you’ve experienced persistent calls or feel harassed, these are the official channels for complaints and investigations.
When Should You Answer Unknown Numbers?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
Scenario | Recommended Action |
Unknown number, no voicemail | Ignore or block |
Multiple calls in one day | Block and report |
Silent or dropped calls | Scam likely – avoid |
Caller leaves a professional message | Assess before calling back |
If it’s really important, they’ll leave a message or contact you another way. Don’t feel obligated to answer every call.
Are Silent Calls a Scam Tactic?
Yes, silent calls can be a precursor to fraud. Here’s how:
- Auto-dialers call many numbers at once.
- If someone picks up, the call is transferred to a live agent.
- If no agent is available, the line goes silent—creepy, right?
These tactics are used to test valid numbers and build calling lists for future scams.
If you experience silent calls from 0116 201 8000, treat them seriously and block immediately.
🚫 How to Block and Report These Calls
You’ve got options! Here’s how to protect yourself:
Block the Number
- iPhone: Tap the ⓘ next to the number → Block this Caller
- Android: Tap the number → More → Block/Report
Report to Official Bodies
Service | Purpose | Link |
📋 TPS | Stop marketing calls | Register here |
📞 Ofcom | Report nuisance calls | Report to Ofcom |
🔐 ICO | Report data misuse | Make a complaint |
📱 WhoCalledMe | Share feedback | Visit site |
📲 TrueCaller | View/report calls | Search number |
The more people report suspicious numbers, the easier it becomes to shut them down.
Final Thoughts: Should You Answer or Block 0116 201 8000?
To wrap things up:
- Don’t answer if you don’t recognize the number
- Do not provide personal or financial info
- Block and report the number if it’s persistent or suspicious
0116 201 8000 has triggered concern due to mixed reports, repetitive calling, and vague identification. Even if it’s a real business, their lack of transparency isn’t okay.
🛡️ Better safe than sorry—when in doubt, block it out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 0116 201 8000 a scam number?
It’s not confirmed as a scam, but many reports suggest suspicious behavior. Treat with caution.
2. Can I trace the exact business behind 0116 201 8000?
Not easily. Without clear identification from the caller, it’s difficult to verify their identity.
3. How do I stop calls from 0116 201 8000?
Register with TPS, block the number on your phone, and report it to Ofcom or ICO.
4. What happens if I accidentally answered and shared information?
If you shared personal or financial info, contact your bank and report the incident to Action Fraud UK.
5. Are calls from 0116 numbers always suspicious?
No, many legitimate businesses use 0116 numbers, but this specific number has a poor reputation.