Receiving an unexpected call from 01438 989230 can cause a sudden wave of worry. You might be in the middle of a busy day when your phone lights up with this unfamiliar Stevenage number. Your first thought is likely a mix of confusion and fear. You want to know if a real person is trying to reach you or if a scammer is testing your line. This uncertainty is a major source of stress for many people in the UK.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!You likely have three main struggles right now. First, you feel frustrated because the calls are frequent and often silent. Second, you are afraid that answering might lead to your bank account being hacked. Third, you feel helpless because you do not know how to stop the ringing. This guide is written by experts to give you the exact answers you need to stay safe and quiet your phone once and for all.
Who is Calling From 01438 989230?
The number 01438 989230 is a landline registered in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. This number belongs to Step Change Outsourcing. They are an official direct partner for EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile network providers.
Because they are a partner and not EE itself, the callers work in a separate contact center. Their job is to call existing or past customers to discuss mobile phone plans and upgrades. Even though the company is a verified business, they often use high-pressure sales tactics. They are hired to hit specific sales targets, which explains why they can be so persistent with your number.
Is This Number a Scam or Legitimate?
The answer is that the number is legitimate, but the calls can be very intrusive. The number appears on official lists of trusted partners for EE. This means the person calling usually has a legal basis to contact you if you have an account. However, being “safe” does not mean the call is always helpful or wanted.
Many people report these calls as “scams” because of how the agents behave. They may ask for your name or mention details about your current monthly bill to prove they are real. It is important to remember that criminals can “spoof” numbers. Spoofing is when a scammer makes your caller ID display 01438 989230 to gain your trust. Always stay alert and never provide your account password to any cold caller.
Why Do They Keep Calling You?
If your phone is ringing every day from this Stevenage number, it is usually due to a “predictive dialer.” These computer systems dial dozens of numbers at once. If you answer but no agent is free to talk, the machine hangs up. This technical limitation is the reason you often experience “silent calls” followed by a click.
The callers are typically reaching out for these specific reasons:
- Contract Renewals: They want to lock you into a new 24-month deal.
- New Service Deals: They may have a new 5G+ plan or a special loyalty discount.
- The BT to EE Merger: Since the companies merged, many customers are being migrated to new “Pounds and Pence” billing systems.
- Marketing Consent: You may have forgotten to uncheck a marketing box when you first signed up for your service.
How to Protect Your Privacy During a Call
Even when a call is from a real business partner, you should protect your data. Scammers are experts at sounding professional. If you decide to pick up the phone, follow these simple safety rules:
- Verify the Caller: Ask the person to tell you your account number or the date of your last bill.
- Guard Your Bank Details: A real EE partner like Step Change will never ask for your full credit card number or bank PIN over the phone.
- Avoid One-Word Answers: Try not to lead with just “Yes.” Some scammers record your voice to use as “voice signatures” for fraudulent purchases.
- Request Documentation: Tell the caller to send the details of the offer to your official email on file before you agree to anything.
Stopping Calls From 01438 989230 Today
You have the legal right to opt out of these calls at any time under UK law. You do not have to endure a phone that never stops ringing.
Use the 7726 Reporting Service
If you receive a call that feels like harassment, report it for free. Text the word CALL to 7726 on your mobile phone. You will get a reply asking for the number. Type in 01438 989230 and hit send. This helps UK mobile providers track and shut down lines that bother people.
Block the Number on Your Smartphone
This is the fastest way to get your peace of mind back.
- On Android: Open your “Phone” app. Tap on “Recent Calls.” Select the number and tap “Block/Report Junk.”
- On iPhone: Open the “Phone” app. Tap the “i” icon next to the number. Scroll down and select “Block this Caller.”
Change Your Marketing Preferences with EE
To stop the calls at the source, call 150 from your EE mobile. This connects you to the primary customer service team. Tell the agent, “I want to opt out of all third-party marketing and partner calls.” Under the Data Protection Act, they are required to update your file immediately.
Identifying Scam Red Flags
It can be difficult to separate a real salesperson from a dangerous criminal. Real partners like Step Change are generally polite and will not use threats. A scammer will often use “fear” or “urgency” to make you act without thinking.
They might claim your mobile service will be cut off in one hour if you do not pay a “late fee.” They might also ask you to download a remote-access app to “fix” a signal issue. These are clear signs of a crime. If you feel any pressure or fear, hang up immediately. You can always call the company back using the official number on their website to verify the claim.
Your Rights Under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Recent updates to UK data laws have strengthened your rights. Companies like Step Change must follow strict rules when handling your phone number. You have the right to ask where they got your data and the right to be “forgotten” from their lists.
If a company continues to call after you have told them to stop, they are breaking the law. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can issue heavy fines for these violations. You should keep a log of when they call and what was said. This evidence is vital if you decide to file a formal complaint later.
Understanding the BT and EE Brand Migration
The merger between BT and EE has caused a lot of confusion for UK customers. Many people who were originally with BT are now being called by EE partners. This is because the company is moving all “consumer” customers to the EE brand.
While this migration is real, it has also become a favorite story for scammers. They may call claiming you “need” a new SIM card or your service will stop. Always check your official BT or EE app for messages. Real migration updates are almost always sent via post or official app notifications, not just a random phone call from Stevenage.
Using the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
The TPS is a free UK registry that helps reduce the number of unsolicited sales calls. It is a powerful tool for your privacy. You can register your number by visiting their website or texting TPS to 85095.
It takes about 28 days for your number to be fully added to the list. Once active, it becomes illegal for any UK company to make a “cold” sales call to you. This service is a great way to filter out unwanted noise from various industries, not just mobile providers.
The Role of Area Codes in Scam Recognition
Area codes like 01438 are used by call centers to appear local and trustworthy. This is a tactic known as “local masking.” Scammers know you are more likely to answer a call from a UK town than a call from a hidden or international number.
Just because a number looks like it is from Stevenage, it does not mean the person is in Hertfordshire. Modern technology allows callers from anywhere in the world to display any number they choose. Always treat unknown landline calls with a healthy amount of skepticism.
Dealing With Silent and Harassing Calls
Silent calls are a major hurdle because they can feel like someone is listening to you. In most cases, this is just a sign that the call center’s dialing computer is poorly managed. There is no one hiding on the other end of the line.
If you receive calls outside of legal business hours (usually 8 am to 9 pm), you should take action. These calls are a direct violation of UK marketing rules. You can file a report with the ICO. They have the power to penalize companies that disrupt your home life during rest hours.
Final Steps for a Quiet Phone
You now know that 01438 989230 is a verified partner, but you also have the tools to silence them. You have learned how to block the number, report it to 7726, and update your legal preferences. Your phone should be a tool that serves you, not a source of daily anxiety.
By taking a few minutes to block the number and register with the TPS, you can reclaim your privacy. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember that you always have the right to hang up the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is calling from 01438 989230?
This number belongs to Step Change Outsourcing in Stevenage. They are an authorized contact center that handles sales and upgrades for the EE network.
Is it safe to talk to someone from this number?
It is generally safe as they are a real business partner. However, you must still protect your personal data and avoid giving out account passwords or full bank details.
Why did I get a silent call from 01438 989230?
Silent calls happen when a computer dials your number but no salesperson is available to take the call. It is a common technical issue with large call centers.
How can I remove my number from their list?
You should call EE directly on 150. Ask them to update your marketing preferences to opt out of all third-party partner calls and sales communications.
Does the BT/EE merger mean I have to take these calls?
No. While they may be calling about moving your BT account to EE, you are not legally required to speak to them over the phone or sign a new contract if you don’t want to.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. While we verify all phone numbers and company details, we are not affiliated with EE, BT, or Step Change Outsourcing. We cannot guarantee the identity of any specific caller, as scammers may use number spoofing. Always contact your service provider directly through official channels before sharing personal or financial data. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this content.
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Evelyn White is an experienced content writer with a background in lifestyle, trends, and practical advice. With several years of writing across digital platforms, she specializes in making everyday topics accessible, informative, and engaging. Her goal is to deliver trustworthy, reader-focused content that’s both useful and easy to understand.