Calls from 0808 179 XXXX
Block 0808 179 XXXX is allocated by Ofcom to TalkTalk, on the UK Freephone exchange (allocated 2011).
0808 179 XXXX is part of the UK's 080x freephone range. Calls to a freephone number such as 0808 179 1234 are free from both UK landlines and mobiles since Ofcom's 2015 rule change. Freephone numbers are owned by businesses, charities and public bodies; the receiving organisation pays for the call.
This block — 0808 179 XXXX — was allocated by Ofcom to TalkTalk in 2011. TalkTalk either operates the numbers directly or sub-allocates them to resellers and downstream carriers, which is why a single 0808 179 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.
Energy-rebate and 'green grant' scams have been linked to UK landline blocks like 0808 179 XXXX. 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 0808 179 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 0808 179 XXXX
Is 0808 179 XXXX a real UK phone number?
Yes. 0808 179 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 TalkTalk for use on the UK public telephone network.
Who owns the 0808 179 XXXX number block?
0808 179 XXXX is currently allocated to TalkTalk 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 0808 179 XXXX number based?
0808 179 XXXX is associated with UK Freephone. UK geographic numbers historically indicated the location of the line, although VoIP services and number-portability rules mean a 0808 179 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 0808 179 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 0808
Try a different block within the same UK area code:
