Have you recently received a call from the number 0117 463 4628? You’re not alone. Thousands of people across the UK are reporting missed calls or brief rings from this unfamiliar number. Whether you’re simply curious or slightly concerned, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 0117 463 4628 — who might be behind it, what to do if you get a call, and how to protect yourself from potential scams.
First Things First: What Area Code is 0117?
Before we dive into who might be calling from 0117 463 4628, it helps to know where that number originates.
The 0117 area code belongs to Bristol, a vibrant city in the southwest of England. It’s used for both residential and business landlines. If you’re not from the Bristol area or don’t have any known contacts there, getting a call from this code might immediately raise a few eyebrows.
However, just because it’s a Bristol-based number doesn’t mean it’s always a local person or business calling. In today’s digital world, caller ID can be easily manipulated (a trick called “number spoofing”), which we’ll talk more about later. For now, just know that 0117 means it’s a number linked to Bristol—but that doesn’t guarantee the call is local or trustworthy.
Who Could Be Behind 0117 463 4628?
Now to the main question: Who is calling from 0117 463 4628? Based on reports from across the web, forums, and community boards, there’s some consistency in what people are saying.
Many users claim that when they do answer, there’s either silence or a delay before someone speaks. That’s usually a telltale sign of a call center using an auto-dialer system—technology that dials thousands of numbers at once and connects a human only when someone answers.
Others have said the caller claims to be from an energy company, a broadband provider, or offering a “free financial review.” These types of pitches are commonly associated with telemarketing or lead generation services. While some may be legitimate (though annoying), others could be outright scams trying to phish for your personal info.
So, the call might be:
- A genuine business in or around Bristol using telemarketing.
- A third-party sales team contracted to sell services like insurance, broadband, or energy deals.
- A scammer posing as a trusted entity using number spoofing.
Should You Answer the Call from 0117 463 4628?
Short answer? Probably not. If you weren’t 0117 463 4628 expecting a call and don’t recognize the number, especially one from a city you have no connection to, there’s no real need to answer. If it’s something important, they’ll most likely leave a voicemail or follow up via text or email.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens if you do pick up:
- Silence or a long pause: That’s usually an autodialer. It waits for a live voice before routing you to a call center rep.
- “Hi, I’m calling about your recent energy usage…”: Most likely a sales script trying to get you to switch providers.
- Aggressive sales tactics or pressure: Hang up. Legitimate companies don’t pressure or guilt-trip you.
- Request for personal details: Huge red flag. Do not provide any personal or financial information.
So, unless you’re feeling adventurous or want to troll a telemarketer, it’s safest to let it ring and check the number afterward.
Is 0117 463 4628 a Scam?
While we can’t say every call from this number is a scam, a large number of users online have flagged it as suspicious or unwanted. Here’s why:
- Unsolicited: People are getting these calls without having signed up or opted in for anything.
- Inconsistent claims: The caller’s identity seems to change — sometimes it’s a financial company, sometimes energy, other times broadband.
- Pressure tactics: Reports of pushy reps and urgent offers suggest shady practices.
- Lack of transparency: No official website or traceable business consistently tied to this number.
This behavior often lines up with “phishing” scams or data harvesting operations. Scammers try to collect bits of information from you—like your name, address, or energy provider—to build a profile or even sell your data to third parties.
So yes, while we can’t definitively label every single call from 0117 463 4628 as a scam, proceed with caution.
How to Handle Suspicious Calls Like This One
Here’s what you should do if you’re repeatedly receiving calls from 0117 463 4628:
1. Don’t Answer or Hang Up Immediately
If you don’t recognize the number, just ignore it. If you answer and it’s clearly not legit, hang up. You don’t owe them your time.
2. Don’t Share Any Info
Even if the caller seems friendly or professional, don’t give out your name, address, or especially financial information.
3. Block the Number
Both iPhones and Android phones have built-in features to block numbers. Once blocked, you won’t receive calls or messages from them again.
4. Report the Number
You can report the number to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or use services like TPS (Telephone Preference Service) if you’re in the UK. This helps authorities build cases against nuisance callers.
5. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup
There are several sites like WhoCalledMe, Tellows, or even Google itself, where you can search the number and see if others have reported it.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried About 0117 463 4628?
Getting random calls from unknown numbers like 0117 463 4628 can be unsettling, but don’t panic. Most of these are either marketing attempts or harmless spam. That said, it’s always better to be cautious, especially if the call seems suspicious.
Here’s the golden rule: If it smells fishy, it probably is. Trust your gut. If something feels off, hang up, block, and move on with your day.
In the digital age, your data is valuable. Keeping your personal info safe and being aware of how scams operate is your best defense. So next time your phone rings from 0117 463 4628, you’ll know exactly what to do — and why it’s okay to let it go to voicemail.
If you’ve had a call from this number recently, drop a comment or share your experience on one of the reverse phone lookup sites. The more we talk about these things, the easier it is for everyone to stay informed and protected.
Stay safe, stay sharp — and let your voicemail do the screening.
