If you’ve recently received repeated calls from the number 0333 556 5838, you’re not alone. Many UK residents report similar experiences, leading to concerns about who’s calling and why.
In today’s digital world, where scam calls are increasingly common, it’s essential to understand the legitimacy behind numbers like these.
This blog is designed to help you make sense of calls from 0333 556 5838, determine if they are genuine, and decide what actions you can take. By the end, you’ll be equipped to deal confidently and securely with this number.
Which Company Owns the Number 0333 556 5838?
The number 0333 556 5838 has been widely reported and researched across multiple UK call tracking platforms.
Based on a collection of user reports, third-party tools like TrueCaller, and confirmations from business directories, the number belongs to Lowell Financial Ltd, a legitimate, FCA-regulated debt collection company based in the UK.
Lowell is one of the largest and most active debt purchasers in the country. They don’t simply work as third-party collectors; they often buy debts outright from banks, telecom providers, energy companies, and more.
Once they acquire a debt, they assume the legal right to contact the debtor and seek repayment. So, if you’ve received a call from this number, there’s a good chance it’s because Lowell is either managing or owns an account associated with your name.
That said, ownership of a number doesn’t always mean every call from it is legitimate. Scammers can mimic phone numbers using spoofing techniques, so it’s still important to verify the caller’s legitimacy before discussing sensitive information.
What Is Lowell Portfolio Ltd?
Lowell Portfolio Ltd is a major player in the UK’s debt recovery industry. It operates under the umbrella of Lowell Group, which includes a network of financial and legal services aimed at helping companies recover unpaid accounts.
Lowell Portfolio is primarily responsible for purchasing debts, meaning they take ownership of unpaid balances that banks or service providers no longer wish to manage.
Once Lowell buys a debt, they assume full responsibility for collecting it. This could involve contacting the debtor via letters, emails, or phone calls (including from 0333 556 5838).
Importantly, Lowell is not a rogue outfit. They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and comply with the UK’s Consumer Credit Act and GDPR laws.
They also offer tailored repayment plans and often work with individuals to find affordable, fair ways to resolve outstanding accounts.
If you’ve ever had an unpaid phone bill, overdraft, or credit card that was written off, it’s possible Lowell now holds that debt and is trying to settle it professionally.
Is 0333 556 5838 a Scam or a Legitimate Call?
This is one of the most asked questions when people encounter 0333 556 5838 for the first time. The answer is generally yes, it’s a legitimate number, and calls from it are most likely from Lowell Financial. That said, caution is always recommended.
The issue isn’t the number itself but the possibility of scam impersonation. Scammers are known to spoof numbers to appear legitimate, especially when targeting people with phishing tactics.
To determine if a call is genuinely from Lowell, look for the following signs:
- The caller introduces themselves and mentions Lowell by name.
- They ask to verify your identity before discussing the issue.
- They refer to a specific account or creditor you’ve dealt with before.
Watch Out for Red Flags
- Demanding immediate payment without verification.
- Threatening legal action or police involvement.
- Asking for sensitive data such as passwords or bank login details.
- Requesting payment through vouchers or cryptocurrency.
If anything about the call feels off, end the call immediately and contact Lowell directly through their official website or customer service number.
Why Are You Getting Calls from 0333 556 5838?
There are several legitimate and understandable reasons why 0333 556 5838 may be calling you. Here’s a breakdown of possible scenarios:
Common Reasons
- Unpaid Debts or Balances: If you’ve fallen behind on a payment for services like broadband, mobile phone contracts, loans, or energy bills, the original provider might have sold the debt to Lowell, who is now following up.
- Purchased Account: Lowell may have purchased your debt from a previous creditor who decided to sell off uncollected accounts.
- Account Discrepancy: There may be confusion over an old account or outstanding balance that hasn’t been properly closed.
- Follow-up on Communication: If you’ve previously received letters or emails from Lowell, they could be calling to continue that discussion or check on a missed response.
Other Possibilities
- Verification Purposes: To confirm your identity before proceeding with account management.
- Payment Reminders: If you’ve set up a payment plan, this might be a reminder or review call.
- Wrong Person: You may have inherited a recycled phone number or are being contacted due to incorrect details.
In every case, ask for written confirmation of the debt before taking any financial action.
Is It Safe to Answer Calls from a 0333 Number?
Yes, answering calls from 0333 numbers is generally safe. These are UK non-geographic numbers commonly used by legitimate businesses, such as banks, utility providers, customer service departments, and government agencies.
One such number, 0333 556 5838, is frequently linked to Lowell Financial, making it a recognised and traceable contact. Unlike premium-rate numbers such as 0845 or 0870, 0333 numbers are charged at standard UK landline rates.
Most mobile and landline plans include these calls in their bundled minutes, so answering won’t incur extra costs. However, as with any unsolicited call, it’s wise to remain cautious.
If the conversation feels suspicious or the caller asks for sensitive information, avoid sharing any personal details.
The best course of action is to hang up and directly contact the organisation using their verified number from an official source, such as their website or a trusted document. This ensures your safety while staying informed.
Why Are You Receiving Debt Collection Calls If I Don’t Owe Money?
Getting a debt collection call when you have a clean financial record can be confusing. But there are several common reasons why this might happen:
Possible Explanations
- Recycled Number: Your number may have previously belonged to someone who owes a debt.
- Data Entry Errors: A mistake in someone else’s contact details could lead to you being called instead.
- Shared Addresses or Names: If you live with someone or share a surname with a debtor, you might get contacted in error.
- Fraud or Identity Theft: Though rare, someone could have used your details to obtain credit.
What You Should Do?
- Don’t panic.
- Request proof of the debt in writing.
- Tell them clearly you’re not the person they’re trying to reach.
- Ask them to remove your number from their system.
Always keep a written record of the communication, including times and names of the callers.
How to Respond If You’re Being Harassed by 0333 556 5838?
When the frequency or nature of calls from 0333 556 5838 becomes excessive or uncomfortable, it’s essential to recognise that you have rights and options.
UK law is very clear about protecting consumers from unfair and aggressive debt collection practices, and harassment falls under that category.
Recognising Harassment
Debt collection agencies are permitted to contact you about outstanding debts, but that doesn’t mean they can call you as often as they like or use any tone they please. Harassment may include:
- Repeated daily calls without giving you time to respond
- Calls at inappropriate times (early morning, late at night)
- Use of threatening, intimidating, or coercive language
- Refusing to take no for an answer or ignoring requests to stop calling
Even if a call comes from a legitimate agency like Lowell, it does not excuse harassment. If their attempts to reach you feel intrusive, you have the legal right to challenge that behaviour.
What You Can Do About It?
Start by speaking calmly with the caller. Ask them to reduce the frequency of their contact or to switch to written communication only. This can help you manage the interaction at your own pace and also serves as a written record of their conduct.
If the calls persist despite your request, document every instance. Keep a log of call times, caller names, and summaries of what was said. This information can be used if you escalate your complaint to a regulatory authority.
You can file formal complaints with:
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): For breaches of conduct
- The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): For misuse of your personal data
Taking control of the situation empowers you to deal with the issue without unnecessary stress.
How Can You Block or Report 0333 556 5838?
If calls from 0333 556 5838 are becoming disruptive or stressful, you’re not powerless. UK consumers have a range of effective tools to block and report persistent numbers.
Whether the call is legitimate or unwanted, there are lawful and easy ways to regain your peace of mind.
Blocking the Number
The simplest first step is to block the number directly on your phone:
- iPhone users: Go to your Recent Calls list, tap the “i” icon next to the number, then select “Block this Caller.”
- Android users: Tap on the number in your call log, press “Details” or the three-dot menu, and choose “Block number.”
Many smartphones also allow you to block unknown or withheld numbers entirely.
Using Call-Blocking Apps
Several apps are available to automatically identify and block unwanted numbers. These tools work by using public reports and caller ID data to flag calls:
- Truecaller: Widely used in the UK to identify and report spam numbers
- Hiya: Effective at filtering calls and maintaining a spam database
- RoboKiller / Call Blocker: Offer additional features like auto-replies and blocking known nuisance numbers
These apps are particularly helpful if you receive spam or scam calls from multiple numbers, not just 0333 556 5838.
Reporting the Number
If you believe the calls are aggressive, misleading, or violate your rights, consider reporting them to the appropriate authority:
- Ofcom: If the number is being used improperly or feels abusive
- TPS (Telephone Preference Service): If the number is being used for unwanted marketing
- ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office): If your personal data is being misused
These reports not only help protect you but may also trigger investigations that prevent the same from happening to others.
Conclusion
Calls from 0333 556 5838 can be unnerving, especially if you’re not expecting them. Fortunately, this number is typically linked to Lowell Financial and is often a genuine attempt to resolve a financial matter.
Being proactive, verifying the caller, and understanding your rights can help you handle these interactions with confidence.
Whether you decide to engage, block, or report the number, staying informed is key. Use the available resources, know your consumer rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your privacy and peace of mind.
FAQs About 0333 556 5838
What should you do if Lowell contacts you about someone else’s debt?
Inform them immediately and request they stop contacting you and remove your number from their system.
Can debt collectors contact you without written notice?
No, legitimate agencies usually send written communication before calling. If not, ask for documentation.
Is it legal for 0333 556 5838 to call multiple times a day?
Excessive calls may be a breach of FCA regulations. You can report such behaviour to the appropriate regulator.
How can you check if a debt is really owed?
Request full written proof of the debt and details of the original lender before making any decisions.
Are 0333 numbers used only by debt collection agencies?
No, many businesses use 0333 numbers for customer service and other professional communications.
What happens if you ignore calls from 0333 556 5838?
Ignoring calls can lead to further actions like letters or credit score impact. It’s better to respond.
What personal data can a debt collector access in the UK?
They can access information related to the debt but must comply with strict GDPR data rules.
