Ever answered a call from a number starting with 0161 and wondered who was on the other end? You’re not alone. Like many across the UK, I’ve received a fair share of unexpected 0161 calls, some were genuine, others raised suspicion.
The curiosity to find out who’s calling and what this Manchester-based area code represents led to an eye-opening journey.
In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about the 0161 area code: where it originates, who’s calling, and how it affects both individuals and businesses in 2025.
What is the 0161 Area Code?
The 0161 area code is the official dialling code for Manchester and its surrounding areas in the UK. This code forms the beginning of landline numbers in the region and is one of the most frequently dialled and searched codes in the country.
Format and Length
Manchester phone numbers follow this typical format:
- Local Format: (0161) XXX XXXX
- International Format: +44 161 XXX XXXX
- Total Digits: 11 (including the 0)
- Local Number Length: 7 digits
This format allows easy identification of regional calls, helping people distinguish between local and non-local connections.
Historical Context
The 0161 area code was introduced to replace the older 061 code during a restructuring of UK telephone numbers. Since then, 0161 has become synonymous with Manchester, both for residents and businesses.
Which Areas Are Covered by the 0161 Dialling Code?
Manchester isn’t the only location associated with 0161. The code extends beyond the city to cover numerous towns and boroughs in Greater Manchester. This wide coverage makes it one of the UK’s most significant area codes.
Towns and Cities Using the 0161 Code
Here are some of the key locations under the 0161 area code:
| Area | Location Type |
| Manchester | City |
| Salford | City |
| Stockport | Town |
| Bury | Town |
| Oldham | Town |
| Altrincham | Town |
| Ashton-under-Lyne | Town |
| Didsbury | Suburb |
| Eccles | Town |
| Stretford | Town |
| Wythenshawe | Suburb |
These regions collectively form Greater Manchester and are home to millions of residents and businesses, making 0161 a highly used and recognised prefix across the UK.
Prior to the national code changes in the UK, the region used the 061 area code. The shift to 0161 allowed the expansion of available numbers in a growing metropolitan region.
Who Might Be Calling You from a 0161 Number?
Not every 0161 call is a scam, but not all are genuine either. The 0161 code is used by a range of callers, from trusted businesses to cold callers and even fraudsters.
In 2025, phone lookups on 0161 numbers have surpassed 75 million, with over 640,000 user reports raising concerns or sharing experiences.
Types of 0161 Callers
- Legitimate Businesses: Many registered businesses in Manchester use 0161 numbers to connect with clients and customers.
- Virtual Number Services: Providers like Virtual Landline allow users to buy 0161 numbers and route calls to mobile or other landlines.
- Cold Callers: Telemarketing companies often use 0161 numbers to conduct surveys or pitch products.
- Fraudulent Callers: Sadly, scammers and phishing groups also spoof 0161 numbers to appear legitimate.
Are 0161 Numbers Safe to Answer?
Safety concerns around 0161 numbers have grown as spam and scam calls become more frequent. However, it’s essential to note that a large number of 0161 calls are completely safe and originate from reliable sources.
Real Reports from Users
| Date | Number | Description |
| 18/07/2025 | Unknown | Claimed to be from ‘Housing Disrepair Team’; appeared fake |
| 28/06/2025 | 0161 520 2341 | Flagged by mobile as potential scam |
| 27/06/2025 | Unknown | Blocked previously but still attempting to call |
| 24/06/2025 | 0161 509 1877 | Likely associated with job sites; not recognised |
| 20/05/2025 | 0161 710 5447 | Identified as another scam call |
These public entries show the diversity of activity on the 0161 prefix, from potential scams to misunderstood legitimate calls.
Source: https://who-called.co.uk/Area-Code/0161
Why Are You Getting So Many Calls from 0161 Numbers?
If you’ve received multiple calls from different 0161 numbers, there are several possible reasons.
Reasons Behind Frequent 0161 Calls
- Marketing and Sales Campaigns: Many companies use 0161 numbers as part of customer outreach efforts. Manchester-based or national firms often prefer this local code for better trust and response rates.
- Data Sharing and Lead Generation: If your phone number was submitted to a website or form, it might have been passed to marketing partners, which increases call frequency.
- Number Spoofing: Fraudsters can mimic 0161 numbers to appear legitimate. This tactic, known as spoofing, is common and designed to bypass call blockers and trust barriers.
Can You Block or Report Suspicious 0161 Numbers?
Fortunately, there are ways to manage or report suspicious 0161 calls effectively, helping you maintain your peace of mind and prevent fraud.
Methods to Block Unwanted Calls
- Smartphone Call Blocking: Use built-in features in Android and iOS to block specific numbers.
- Network-Based Blocking: Most UK telecom providers offer call filtering services.
- Apps: Install call filter apps like Truecaller to automatically detect spam.
- Report to Authorities: Use services like the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or platforms like Who-Called to report scams.
Taking these steps can reduce unwanted interruptions and protect your information.
What Are the Benefits of Having a 0161 Number for Business?
In today’s competitive digital marketplace, a local touch can make a significant impact. A 0161 number gives your business a presence in Manchester without needing a physical office.
Advantages for Businesses
- Local Customer Trust: People are more likely to trust and engage with local numbers, especially in large cities like Manchester.
- Better Call Conversions: Seeing an 0161 prefix increases the chance that a Manchester resident or company will pick up your call or return a missed call.
- Cost-Efficiency; There’s no need to rent office space in Manchester. Virtual 0161 numbers can redirect to your mobile or another line.
- Scalability: From startups to enterprises, 0161 numbers support business growth in the region without changing infrastructure.
Do Calls to 0161 Numbers Cost Extra?
No. In general, 0161 numbers are treated as standard UK landline numbers. This means you won’t incur premium charges for calling or receiving calls from a 0161 number.
Key Cost Information
- Included in most mobile and landline packages
- Covered under “inclusive minutes” on SIM-only and broadband plans
- International rates apply only when calling +44 161 from outside the UK
This affordability is another reason businesses prefer 0161 numbers for local presence and communication.
Source: https://www.virtuallandline.co.uk/services/virtual-numbers/manchester-phone-numbers
Is a Virtual 0161 Number Right for You?
If you’re running a business, especially remotely or across different cities, then yes, a virtual 0161 number offers multiple advantages without physical location dependency.
Use Cases
- Remote Teams: Route calls to employees working in different locations or countries without any physical switchboard.
- Customer Service Teams: Maintain consistency and regional trust with a local number on customer support lines.
- Expanding Businesses: Break into the Manchester market while operating from London, Birmingham, or even abroad.
These benefits make 0161 a powerful code for growing operations, improving outreach, and creating brand familiarity.
Conclusion
The 0161 area code isn’t just a set of digits, it’s a gateway to Manchester, its businesses, its residents, and unfortunately, sometimes scammers.
By understanding the origins, uses, and functions of this code, individuals and organisations can make smarter decisions about answering calls, setting up virtual offices, or blocking nuisances.
Whether you’re a resident getting constant calls or a company looking to expand in Manchester, 0161 is a number worth recognising and respecting. Stay aware, stay connected, and use this knowledge to your advantage.
FAQs
What kind of businesses use 0161 numbers?
0161 numbers are popular with local Manchester businesses, virtual offices, customer service teams, and growing companies looking to establish regional trust.
Can international callers use +44 161 instead of 0161?
Yes, international calls to Manchester use +44 161 followed by the local 7-digit number.
Why do people spoof 0161 numbers?
Fraudsters spoof 0161 numbers to appear local and trustworthy, increasing the chances of people answering their calls.
How can I trace who called me from 0161?
You can use trusted reverse phone lookup tools such as Who-Called to investigate unknown 0161 numbers.
Is it legal to buy a 0161 virtual number?
Yes, many services legally provide 0161 numbers for business and personal use. These can be redirected to other lines.
Will answering 0161 calls incur extra charges?
No. 0161 numbers are charged at standard landline rates and often fall within your monthly phone plan.
Can I use a 0161 number outside the UK?
Yes. Virtual 0161 numbers can be routed to any device globally, making them perfect for international operations.