Calls from 01685 673 XXX — Merthyr Tydfil
Block 01685 673 XXX is allocated by Ofcom to BT, on the Merthyr Tydfil exchange (allocated 2020).
01685 673 XXX is a number block in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, an area with a population of approximately 43,820. Standard landlines in this area use the format 01685 673123, with the first part being the dialling code and the rest being the local number.
This block — 01685 673 XXX — was allocated by Ofcom to BT in 2020. BT either operates the numbers directly or sub-allocates them to resellers and downstream carriers, which is why a single 01685 673 XXX prefix can be used by many different organisations. You can verify any allocation against Ofcom's National Telephone Numbering Plan, which is updated weekly.
Energy-rebate and 'green grant' scams have been linked to UK landline blocks like 01685 673 XXX. The caller claims you're eligible for a government rebate or smart-meter grant and pressures you into giving bank details to receive it. Real government rebates apply to your bill automatically — no outbound call is needed.
If a 01685 673 XXX 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 01685 673 XXX
Is 01685 673 XXX a real UK phone number?
Yes. 01685 673 XXX 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 BT for use on the UK public telephone network.
Who owns the 01685 673 XXX number block?
01685 673 XXX is currently allocated to BT 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 01685 673 XXX number based?
01685 673 XXX is associated with Merthyr Tydfil. UK geographic numbers historically indicated the location of the line, although VoIP services and number-portability rules mean a 01685 673 XXX 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 01685 673 XXX?
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 01685
Try a different block within the same UK area code:
