How to check if a phone number is a scam (and what to do with it)
Quick answer
You can't prove a number is safe, but you can spot a scam. Don't reply or call back. Search the number, then contact the organisation on a number from its own website or your statement. In the UK, forward scam texts to 7726, which is free.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Voicemail
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers can fake the number that shows on your phone, so a familiar-looking number is not proof of anything. Ofcom's advice is to treat the message or call on its content: who claims to be contacting you, what they want and how fast.
Typical scam calls and texts ask for one of these:
- A payment, often urgently
- A click on a link to 'confirm' or 'reschedule' something
- A call back to an unknown number
- Your bank details, a one-time code or your password
Replying, even to say STOP, can tell the sender your number is live.
Red flags
- An unexpected call or text about a payment, parcel, tax or bank account
- A demand to act immediately
- A link or number that doesn't match the organisation's real website
- A request for a PIN, one-time code or full password
- A number you don't recognise that claims to be your bank or a government department
- A request to pay by gift card, transfer or cryptocurrency
What to do
- 1
Don't reply or call back
Ofcom says not to reply, even to opt out, because that confirms your number is active.
- 2
Search the number online
Ofcom suggests searching the number first, as scam numbers are often flagged by other people. No result doesn't mean it's safe.
- 3
Contact the organisation yourself
Use a number from its official website or your account statement, never the one in the message.
- 4
Report it
In the UK, forward scam texts to 7726 (free) so your mobile provider can investigate and block the number. For a call, copy or share the number to 7726 in a text. Report fraud to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- 5
If you clicked or paid
Call your bank on the number on your card straight away, change any passwords you shared and read what to do after a data breach.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scam calls and texts reach your phone because someone has your number. Phone numbers are listed on people-search sites and leaked in breaches, and scammers also generate numbers at random. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your details where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your email or phone number shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Can I tell if a number is a scam just by looking at it?
Not reliably. Caller ID can be faked, so judge what the call or text asks for.
Should I call the number back to check?
No. Call the organisation on a number from its official website or your statement.
Does forwarding a text to 7726 cost anything?
No, Ofcom says it's free, and it helps your provider investigate and block the number.
What about scams that arrive on WhatsApp or Telegram?
Ofcom says you can't usually forward those to 7726. Use the app's own block and report features.
Sources
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