Receiving unexpected phone calls from unknown numbers can raise concerns, particularly when they originate from 0800 numbers.
One such number that frequently comes up in public discussion is 08004970623. For some, it’s a routine contact from a known service provider; for others, it raises red flags about potential scams.
So, is 08004970623 a legitimate call from Domestic & General, or something more suspicious?
This article investigates the nature of this phone number, examines public feedback, and shares verified information to help UK residents understand whether they should answer, ignore or report it.
What Is the Number 08004970623 and Why Might It Be Calling You?
08004970623 is widely recognised in the UK as a number associated with Domestic & General, a company that provides appliance warranties and repair cover for millions of UK households.
People often receive calls from this number following the purchase of an appliance, the registration of a product guarantee, or a recent service engagement.
The purpose of these calls is usually to:
- Confirm warranty or product registration
- Offer extended cover for a recently purchased appliance
- Notify customers of upcoming renewals
- Conduct routine follow-up for customer satisfaction
Many customers may not immediately link the call to a recent product registration, especially if the registration was handled by a third-party retailer or automatically through purchase.
In some cases, the call may relate to an appliance you didn’t directly register, such as when a family member or household member made the purchase and used your number.
Is 08004970623 Really From Domestic & General?
There is strong evidence that 08004970623 is a legitimate number used by Domestic & General.
The number is referenced across several public databases, including who-called.co.uk and phonely.co.uk, where it is labelled as a confirmed marketing or service line.
Many recipients have confirmed that after calling Domestic & General directly through their official website, the number was verified as one of their outbound contact lines.
A noteworthy user report includes a customer stating they contacted Domestic & General and received assurance that the call was genuine.
They confirmed that extra cover was applied to their policy based on a call from this number, and that the call was indeed authorised.
This number is most often used for outbound contact, meaning Domestic & General will reach out to you but may not offer full support if you return the call. In such cases, calling the main customer service number listed on their website is advised.
Who Is Domestic & General?
Domestic & General Group Limited is a well-established public limited company in the insurance sector, known primarily for offering appliance care plans and extended warranties.
With a history spanning over 113 years, the company has become a trusted name in the UK, US, and parts of Europe.
Founded in 1912 by S. W. Copley, the company was initially known as the Western Australian Insurance Company (WAICO).
Its origins stem from Copley’s inability to find livestock insurance during transit, prompting him to launch a firm that would cover a wide range of risks including fire, accident, marine, and livestock insurance.
Over the years, Domestic & General has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
It became privately owned in 2007 after its acquisition by Advent International, followed by further investments from CVC Capital Partners in 2013 and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in 2019.
Under current CEO Matthew Crummack, who took over leadership in October 2021, the company has made significant international moves, including expansion into the US with the acquisition of After, Inc. and Nana Technologies.
In recent years, Domestic & General has adopted a flexible working model and invested heavily in regional development, such as a £50 million investment in a new Nottingham office and the opening of a Brighton site to support local employment.
The company has also been active in sponsorships, serving as the Official Warranty Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and sponsoring British Olympic athlete Desirèe Henry for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Below is a snapshot of key company information:
| Attribute | Details |
| Trade Name | Domestic & General Group Limited |
| Company Type | Public limited company |
| Industry | Insurance |
| Founded | 1912 (113 years ago) |
| Founder | S. W. Copley |
| Headquarters | Wimbledon, United Kingdom |
| Area Served | UK, US, Europe |
| Key People | Matthew Crummack (CEO since 2021) |
| Employees | 3,000 (as of 2024) |
| Website | www.domesticandgeneral.com |
This long-standing company continues to innovate and adapt, maintaining its position as a leader in warranty and insurance services for appliances and electronics.
Why Do Some People Report 08004970623 as a Scam Call?
Despite its legitimate origins, many individuals still report 08004970623 as suspicious. This is partly due to the high volume of scam calls circulating in the UK and partly because of the way marketing calls are often handled.
There are several factors that lead people to misidentify the number:
- The caller often asks for personal or payment information
- The individual may not remember giving consent to be contacted
- The number is not clearly labelled on the recipient’s caller ID
- There is no voicemail left or insufficient identification from the caller
In some instances, Domestic & General’s outsourcing to third-party call centres may contribute to unease, especially when the caller does not immediately state the company name clearly or uses a script that sounds generic. This can resemble typical scam call behaviour even if the source is genuine.
It’s also worth noting that some customers report receiving repeated calls over several days, which can feel intrusive and raise suspicion, particularly if they have already declined the offer.
How Can You Confirm if a Call From 08004970623 Is Legitimate?
The best way to handle a call from an unknown number is through careful verification. If you receive a call from 08004970623 and want to confirm its legitimacy, consider the following:
- Visit the Domestic & General website and contact their customer service directly
- Look up the number on reputable phone-checking websites like phonely.co.uk or who-called.co.uk
- Check your email or purchase history to see if you recently registered an appliance
- Ask the caller for verification details without revealing any personal information first
If the caller is reluctant to explain the purpose of the call or pressures you to share sensitive data, it may be best to hang up and call the company directly using a verified number.
What Should You Do if You Miss a Call From 08004970623?
Missing a call from 08004970623 may or may not require action. If you are an active customer of Domestic & General or have recently signed up for a plan, the call could be routine.
If you suspect it’s important, it is safer to call their customer support via the number on their official website rather than calling the 0800 number back directly.
Avoid returning the call immediately if no message or text was left. Take the time to check your account, warranty documents, or recent email correspondence from Domestic & General before deciding to engage.
Can You Block 08004970623 If You Don’t Want Further Calls?
You can block the number from your phone if you prefer not to receive future calls. However, this decision depends on whether you are a Domestic & General customer.
Blocking a legitimate number might result in missing important updates about your policy or warranty services.
On most mobile devices, blocking can be done directly from the recent call list. Select the number, tap on the options menu, and choose “Block” or “Report as Spam”. For landlines, contact your service provider for nuisance call blocking options.
Before blocking, it’s recommended to adjust your communication preferences directly with Domestic & General if you no longer wish to be contacted for marketing purposes.
How Does Domestic & General Handle Customer Consent and Communication?
When customers register for cover or warranty services with Domestic & General, they typically agree to be contacted by phone, email, or SMS.
This consent is often included in the terms and conditions, which many customers overlook during the sign-up process.
Communication policies are designed to comply with the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Customers have the right to manage their communication preferences at any time.
You can contact the company to:
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Update contact details or preferences
- Request full removal from their outbound call list
This ensures that only customers who want to be contacted will receive calls, helping to reduce complaints about unsolicited contact.
What Are the Alternatives to Reverse Lookup for Identifying Unknown Numbers?
Although websites like who-called.co.uk and phonely.co.uk are commonly used for number checks, there are several alternative methods available for identifying unknown callers in the UK.
Some of the most effective options include:
- Caller ID apps such as Truecaller or Hiya, which identify known spam or business numbers
- Contacting the business directly using contact details from their website
- Reviewing recent service agreements or warranty registrations to see if you provided your number
- Searching through your recent emails for any service confirmation or communication
These methods reduce your chances of missing important calls while helping you avoid scam-related contact.
Below is a comparison table of the most reliable methods for caller verification in the UK:
| Verification Method | Reliability | Cost | Best For |
| Truecaller App | High | Free/Paid | Spam call identification |
| Phonely.co.uk | Medium | Free | Community-based number reports |
| Direct Company Contact | High | Free | Confirming business calls |
| Email or Invoice Checks | Medium | Free | Verifying registration links |
Using a combination of these methods is often the most effective way to confirm if a call is legitimate or not.
Should You Report 08004970623 If You Still Suspect It’s a Scam?
If after verification you still suspect that a call from 08004970623 is not legitimate, you should take appropriate action. You can report the number to:
- Action Fraud (for suspected fraud)
- Ofcom (for nuisance or repeated calls)
- ICO (for potential misuse of your data)
Even if the number is genuine, reporting aggressive or unclear communication practices can help improve industry standards and customer experience.
Before reporting, always ensure you have checked the source thoroughly. Many calls are wrongly flagged as scams due to miscommunication or misunderstanding.
Conclusion
The number 08004970623 is officially associated with Domestic & General, a reputable company offering appliance and service warranties across the UK.
Despite reports online labelling it a scam, verified customer experiences and company confirmation indicate it is a genuine contact number.
The confusion largely stems from misunderstandings around marketing permissions, unexpected calls, and the growing fear of scams.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to verify, stay informed, and only provide personal details when absolutely certain of the caller’s identity.
FAQs
Who is Domestic & General and what do they do?
Domestic & General is a UK-based company providing insurance and maintenance plans for household appliances and electronics. They work with major retailers and manufacturers.
Can I trust all 0800 numbers in the UK?
While many 0800 numbers are legitimate, not all are trustworthy. Always cross-check the number using reliable directories or contact the company directly.
How can I tell if an 0800 call is a scam?
Warning signs include pressure tactics, asking for sensitive data, or calling at odd hours. Scammers may also pretend to be from well-known companies.
Why would Domestic & General call me without prior notice?
If you’ve registered a product or purchased a plan, they may follow up to confirm details, offer cover, or notify you about renewals.
Is it safe to give personal details over the phone to 08004970623?
Only if you’ve verified that the call is genuinely from Domestic & General. Avoid sharing sensitive data until confirmation.
How do I stop nuisance calls in the UK?
You can register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), block numbers on your phone, or contact your provider for nuisance call filtering.
Are reverse phone lookup services safe to use?
Most are safe and helpful, especially platforms like phonely.co.uk or who-called.co.uk. However, always use reputable websites to avoid scams or misinformation.
