Calls from 01642 73 XXXX — Middlesbrough
Block 01642 73 XXXX is allocated by Ofcom to Virgin Media, on the Middlesbrough exchange (allocated 1999).
01642 73 XXXX is a number block in Middlesbrough, in the historic county of North Yorkshire, an area with a population of approximately 142,707. Standard landlines in this area use the format 01642 731234, with the first part being the dialling code and the rest being the local number.
This block — 01642 73 XXXX — was allocated by Ofcom to Virgin Media in 1999. Virgin Media either operates the numbers directly or sub-allocates them to resellers and downstream carriers, which is why a single 01642 73 XXXX prefix can be used by many different organisations. You can verify any allocation against Ofcom's National Telephone Numbering Plan, which is updated weekly.
Recent Citizens Advice data shows a rising number of complaints about debt-management cold calls from blocks like 01642 73 XXXX. These calls typically promise to write off existing debts for a fee and can lead to unregulated 'debt-advice' services. The free, regulated alternatives are StepChange and Citizens Advice — both refuse to cold-call.
If a 01642 73 XXXX number called you and you're not sure who it was, the safest steps are: don't return the call until you've verified it (search the full number online first), don't share personal or financial details, and register the number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) if it's a marketing call. Persistent unwanted calls can be reported to Ofcom and the ICO. To block a specific number on most UK mobiles and landlines, you can also enable network-level call screening through your provider.
FAQs about 01642 73 XXXX
Is 01642 73 XXXX a real UK phone number?
Yes. 01642 73 XXXX is part of an Ofcom-allocated UK number block — any number starting with that prefix is a real, dialable UK number assigned by Ofcom to Virgin Media for use on the UK public telephone network.
Who owns the 01642 73 XXXX number block?
01642 73 XXXX is currently allocated to Virgin Media in Ofcom's National Telephone Numbering Plan. The allocated carrier may operate the numbers directly or sub-allocate them to downstream resellers — both arrangements are normal under UK telecoms rules.
Where is a 01642 73 XXXX number based?
01642 73 XXXX is associated with Middlesbrough. UK geographic numbers historically indicated the location of the line, although VoIP services and number-portability rules mean a 01642 73 XXXX number can technically be used anywhere a CP routes it. For most UK landlines the geographic match still holds.
How do I block calls from 01642 73 XXXX?
On most UK smartphones, open the recent-calls list, tap the number, and choose 'Block this caller'. UK landlines from BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media include free 'BT Call Protect'-style screening you can enable in your provider's app. You can also register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) at tpsonline.org.uk to opt out of legitimate UK marketing calls.
Other blocks in 01642
Try a different block within the same UK area code:
