How to check a scam telephone number (UK): what to do before you call back
Quick answer
No tool can tell you for certain that a number is safe. Ofcom says to search the number online, never call back unknown numbers, and contact the organisation on a number from its official website. Forward scam texts and calls to 7726 and report fraud to Report Fraud.
Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This page is free and based on official sources.
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- Phone call, Text, Voicemail
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How it works
Scam calls and texts usually start with a number you don't recognise: a missed call, a voicemail asking you to ring back, or a text claiming to be your bank, a delivery firm or a government body. The aim is to get you to share personal or bank details, click a link, or pay.
Ofcom warns about calling back numbers you don't know, especially those starting 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118, which can be premium-rate and cost you money. Caller numbers can also be faked, so a number that looks local or familiar proves nothing.
Checking a number helps a little. Ofcom suggests searching it online before you ring back, because other people often flag scam numbers. No result doesn't mean the number is safe, so the safest habit is to not call back at all and to contact the organisation another way.
Sources checked: ofcom.org.uk
Last verified against the official page:
Red flags
- A call, text or voicemail from a number you don't know asking you to ring back
- A number starting 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118 that you didn't expect to dial
- Someone who claims to be from your bank, a delivery firm or an official body and rushes you
- A request for bank details, passwords or personal information
- A link in a text you weren't expecting
- A caller who says they are from Ofcom: Ofcom says it never calls unexpectedly or asks for bank details
Example message
Hi, there was a missed call from us about an important matter on your account. Please call us back on [phone number] as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
What to do
- 1
Don't call back or click
If the call or text was unexpected, hang up or ignore it. Don't ring back an unknown number and don't open links.
- 2
Check the number and the organisation
Search the number online to see whether others have flagged it. If the message claims to come from a bank or company, contact it using a number from its official website or the back of your card, not the one you were given.
- 3
Report it to 7726
Forward the scam text to 7726, or for a mobile call open your recent calls, select the number and copy or share it in a text to 7726. It's free, and your provider can investigate and may block the sender.
- 4
If you shared bank details, tell your bank straight away
Call the number on your card, use your bank's app or website, or dial 159 where your bank supports it. Ofcom notes your bank may be able to halt a payment or help recover money.
- 5
Report fraud
Report it to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040), the reporting centre for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
- 6
If you clicked a link or installed something
Contact your mobile provider and your bank, and change passwords for accounts you may have exposed.
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
Scammers often already have your number, and sometimes your name and address too. Contact details like these are sold by data brokers, listed on people-search sites and leaked in breaches. Serus finds the people-search sites and data brokers that list your phone number and requests removal, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. It won't block calls or texts.
Frequently asked
Can I check whether a phone number is a scam?
You can search the number online, as Ofcom suggests, because others may have reported it. It isn't proof either way. Scam numbers can be new or faked, so contact the organisation on a number from its official website.
What is 7726?
A free number where you can forward scam texts and report scam calls so your mobile provider can investigate and possibly block the sender.
Which numbers might cost me money to call back?
Ofcom warns that numbers starting 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118 can be premium-rate, so don't call them back if you don't know who they belong to.
Where do I report a scam in the UK?
Report Fraud covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland (0300 123 2040). In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Also forward scam texts and calls to 7726.
Sources
- ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/how-to-protect-yourself-from-scam-phone-calls-texts
- ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls
- ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/what-to-do-about-a-scam-call-text-or-message
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