Why are ebay using an invalid phone number for identity verification?

[deevincentday]

I have been trying to set up a new device for my partner and eBay is wanting to confirm identity.  I get a message saying that I need to call 2086100157 and quote a security code which displays in the message.  

This phone number does not connect and all I get is an unobtainable tone. 

I tried phoning customer service and just get directed to Web help, which offers no help on this problem whatsoever.  

[kidmore_kats]

Try putting a zero infront of the first 2.

i.e. 02086100157

ebay is US based and they have no idea how UK phone numbers work

[arkwebus]

Yes it is a outer London number dial  0208 610 0157 

Possibly Richmond ...

  @kidmore_kats 

@deevincentday 

[deevincentday]

My phone does that automatically.  The number is unobtainable.

[deevincentday]

As per message above my phone added the 0.  I still get unobtainable.

[thethargoid]

Saw this appear on someone else's machine. This may well be related to a virulent activity, removing and reinstalling the affected browser (Firefox) seemed to get rid of the issue.  The person did not get this issue using other browsers/devices. So I'd recommend a virus scan and reinstall of Firefox, if that's the browser that is affected. Websearching, I cannot see anything that points to this being genuine.

Commenting if anyone else ends up here with this issue.