Receiving an unexpected call from a number like 0344 822 4650 can raise questions. With scams on the rise and customer service lines using non-geographic numbers, it’s only natural to wonder who is trying to reach you and for what reason.
This post investigates the number, its association with Very.co.uk, and offers advice on how to deal with such calls securely.
What Is 0344 822 4650 and Who Uses It?
The number 0344 822 4650 is a non-geographic UK landline assigned to organisations, typically used for customer service purposes. These numbers are regulated by Ofcom, ensuring they are charged at the same rate as standard 01 or 02 numbers.
In this case, the number is associated with Very.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading online retailers. It is part of the Shop Direct Finance Company Ltd, the financial division behind Very’s services. This number is widely used to reach out to existing customers.
0344 numbers are particularly common for large UK businesses because they are cost-effective for both the business and the customer. They allow companies to maintain a nationwide presence without being tied to a specific geographic area.
Who Is Very and What Do They Do?
Very is a prominent UK-based e-commerce retailer, operating primarily through its websites very.co.uk and very.ie. It is a subsidiary of The Very Group, one of the largest digital retail and financial services providers in the United Kingdom.
Founded in the 1990s, Very has evolved into a leading online retail platform serving customers across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company was originally part of Littlewoods and transitioned into its current form as part of the group’s digital transformation.
Very operates entirely online and offers an extensive catalogue of consumer goods, including:
- Fashion and clothing for men, women, and children
- Home accessories and furnishings
- Toys and games for all age groups
- Electronics, tech, and gaming products
The retailer also provides credit services through buy now, pay later options and flexible repayment plans. This financial service is managed by its parent group’s finance division, which supports a large number of the retailer’s customer accounts.
The company’s headquarters are based in Speke, Liverpool, where its corporate, logistics, and customer service teams are centralised.
Here are key details about Very:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | E-commerce |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Headquarters | Speke, Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| Area Served | United Kingdom, Ireland |
| Key Person | Henry Birch (CEO) |
| Parent Company | The Very Group |
| Ownership | The Barclay Family |
| Primary Websites | very.co.uk, very.ie |
With millions of active customers, Very continues to play a significant role in the UK’s online shopping landscape. Its customer service operations, including calls from numbers like 0344 822 4650, support everything from order management to credit account queries.
Why Would Very Call From 0344 822 4650?
Calls from 0344 822 4650 are typically from Very.co.uk’s customer service or credit team. These calls are legitimate and often follow specific actions made on the customer’s account. Understanding the possible reasons behind the call can help avoid confusion or concern.
Order Confirmations and Verification
When customers place a high-value order or make their first purchase, Very may call to confirm the transaction and verify identity. This is a common fraud-prevention measure that ensures the order is genuine and made by the account holder.
In some cases, calls may be triggered if:
- The delivery address doesn’t match the billing address
- There have been multiple failed payment attempts
- The item purchased is restricted or in limited supply
Payment and Credit Account Issues
Very offers various payment options, including Buy Now, Pay Later and credit accounts. If there is an issue with a payment, or if a scheduled instalment has been missed, the customer may receive a call as a reminder or to discuss repayment options.
Common payment-related reasons include:
- Missed due dates or declined card payments
- Overdue account balances
- Changes to your credit limit or repayment terms
Delivery and Order Updates
Delivery changes or issues with stock availability can also prompt a customer service call. Very may use the 0344 number to:
- Reschedule delivery dates
- Confirm click-and-collect arrangements
- Notify customers of delays or substitutions
Security and Fraud Prevention
In some cases, Very may reach out as part of their fraud monitoring protocol. If suspicious activity is detected on your account, they may contact you to verify recent actions. This is typically a preventative step to ensure your account has not been compromised.
Marketing and Promotions (If Consent Is Given)
Customers who have opted into marketing communications might also receive occasional promotional calls from the Very team. These are usually about:
- Special offers and sales events
- Personalised product recommendations
- Seasonal campaigns
Customers can manage their communication preferences within their account settings to control whether or not they receive marketing calls.
Is 0344 822 4650 a Scam or a Legitimate Number?
The number 0344 822 4650 is officially linked to Very’s customer service operations. However, customers should always remain cautious, as number spoofing is a growing issue in the UK. This occurs when scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source.
To determine if the call is genuine, customers should consider:
- Whether they recently placed an order with Very
- If there are any pending issues with their account
- Whether the caller is requesting sensitive or financial information
Legitimate calls from Very will never request full banking passwords or PINs. If the caller asks for this kind of information, it’s a red flag.
Here’s a simple comparison between genuine and suspicious behaviour:
| Criteria | Legitimate Call from Very | Suspicious Call |
|---|---|---|
| Asks for full card number | No | Yes |
| Confirms recent purchase | Yes | Sometimes |
| Requests password or PIN | No | Yes |
| Encourages you to login via email or app | Yes | No |
| Threatens legal action | No | Yes |
If unsure, customers should hang up and call Very using the contact information on their official website.
How Can I Verify If the Call from 0344 822 4650 Was Genuine?
Verifying the authenticity of a phone call is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Customers can check the validity of the call by reviewing recent activity on their Very account. If there is a new order, payment reminder or account message, it will usually be visible online.
Other ways to verify include:
- Contacting Very directly through their official helpline or live chat
- Cross-checking the number using reputable number lookup services
- Checking email or SMS messages for matching reference numbers
If the call was legitimate, the customer service team will be able to confirm the purpose when contacted directly.
What Should I Do If I Missed a Call from 0344 822 4650?
Missing a call from 0344 822 4650 isn’t usually a cause for concern, especially if you’re an active Very customer. However, it’s important to follow appropriate steps to determine whether the call was important and whether you need to take any action.
Check Your Very Account for Notifications
The first step is to log in to your Very.co.uk account. Any essential updates regarding your recent activity—such as orders, delivery issues or account alerts—will be visible in your account dashboard.
Look for:
- Order confirmation or cancellation messages
- Payment reminders or overdue alerts
- Account security warnings
If there’s no activity or message in your account, the call may have been related to marketing or was possibly misdialed.
Wait for a Voicemail or Follow-Up Message
Very typically leaves a voicemail or sends an SMS follow-up if the call was important. These messages usually reference the nature of the call and may include a customer ID or partial order number.
Pay close attention to:
- The language used (legitimate messages are clear and professional)
- Any reference numbers that can be cross-checked in your account
- The contact number provided for callbacks
Do not respond to messages that sound threatening or request sensitive personal information.
Use a Trusted Number Lookup Tool
Services like Who-Called.co.uk allow you to search for the number and read other user experiences. If the number has been widely reported as legitimate and tied to Very, it adds credibility. These tools are especially helpful for identifying spoofed or scam calls.
Call Very Through Their Official Contact Channels
If you’re unsure about the call or simply want to confirm whether action is needed, contact Very directly using the number listed on their website. Avoid returning the missed call directly, particularly if you’re uncertain of its origin.
Always verify:
- That the contact number matches what’s on very.co.uk
- That the agent you speak to can access your account and confirm your recent activity
- That no unauthorised orders or payments have been made
Block the Number If It Becomes Repetitive
If you continue to receive repeated calls from the number and they do not leave messages or the calls seem irrelevant, consider blocking the number. You can do this through your phone’s call settings or by using a call-blocking app.
However, it’s best to ensure the number isn’t linked to an important or unresolved issue with your account before doing so.
How Can I Stop Unwanted Calls from 0344 Numbers?
While 0344 822 4650 is a known customer service number, you may wish to reduce or stop unwanted calls. If you’re receiving too many calls or believe you’re being contacted in error, there are several steps you can take:
- Register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to limit unsolicited marketing calls
- Contact Very customer service and ask to update your contact preferences
- Use your phone’s built-in blocking feature or install a reputable call blocking app
- If the calls persist and seem suspicious, report them to Ofcom or Action Fraud
Blocking the number is a short-term solution, but updating your preferences with the company directly is the most effective way to stop unnecessary contact.
Can I Contact Very Directly to Clarify 0344 822 4650 Calls?
Customers always have the option to get in touch with Very through several reliable channels. These methods are especially useful when confirming if a recent call was genuine:
- Visit Very’s official help section and use the Live Chat option for fast responses
- Call the number listed on their Contact Us page to speak to an agent
- Use your account dashboard to send a secure message
- Reach out via social media, where verified representatives can assist
- Send a written request by post if necessary, using the company’s registered address
Very maintains a strong digital presence, and their customer service team is accessible on various platforms to ensure customers can resolve queries quickly.
What Do Other People Say About 0344 822 4650?
Public feedback provides insight into how this number is perceived by customers. On number-checking websites like Who-Called.co.uk, reports show a mix of positive and neutral experiences. A large number of users confirm that the number is tied to legitimate customer service interactions.
Some common themes found in user reports include:
- Calls confirming recent Very purchases
- Contact related to missed payments or credit accounts
- Automated messages followed by agent callbacks
A few users mentioned receiving silent calls or experiencing dropped lines. These are often linked to auto-dial systems that fail to connect promptly.
The number has a reputation for being trustworthy, provided the call content matches recent interactions with the company. Customers are advised to stay vigilant but not overly alarmed when receiving calls from this number.
Why Are 0344 Numbers Common for UK Businesses?
UK businesses often choose 0344 numbers because they offer a professional image and a uniform experience for customers nationwide. These numbers are non-geographic, meaning they are not tied to a specific city or region.
Benefits of 0344 numbers for businesses include:
- Standardised call costs for customers, which builds trust
- Ability to manage national operations from one centralised call centre
- Enhanced scalability for call routing and automated systems
Very uses this model to centralise its customer service functions, allowing it to serve customers more efficiently. The widespread use of such numbers among UK retailers reinforces their legitimacy and customer-focused purpose.
Conclusion
In most cases, there is no reason for alarm. If you’ve recently interacted with Very, it is likely a genuine customer service call regarding your account, order, or delivery.
Still, vigilance is important. Always verify calls independently through the company’s website or official app and avoid giving away sensitive information over the phone.
FAQs About 0344 822 4650
What company uses the number 0344 822 4650?
The number is primarily used by Very.co.uk, an online retail company in the UK, and its financial service division, Shop Direct Finance Company Ltd.
Why did I get a silent call from 0344 822 4650?
Silent calls may be the result of auto-dialers failing to connect you with an agent. If it happens repeatedly, it may be best to contact Very directly.
Can 0344 numbers be spoofed by scammers?
Yes, even legitimate numbers like this can be spoofed by scammers. Always be cautious and verify independently before giving out personal details.
How do I block 0344 822 4650 on my phone?
On most smartphones, tap the number in your call history and select “Block” or “Report Spam”. You can also use third-party call blocking apps.
Is 0344 822 4650 calling about missed payments?
Yes, it’s possible. Very may use this number to contact customers about missed or late payments, especially those on a Buy Now Pay Later plan.
Are calls from 0344 822 4650 recorded?
Most customer service calls are recorded for quality and training purposes. However, this should be disclosed at the beginning of the call.
Can I trust text messages associated with this number?
If you’re unsure, don’t click any links in texts. Visit the official Very website and check your messages or alerts there instead.
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