UK scam calls and texts: how to check a number and report it
Quick answer
There's no reliable list of UK scammer numbers, because scammers spoof numbers and swap them often. If a call or text asks for money, codes or personal details, hang up or ignore it, forward texts to 7726 and report fraud to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
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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.
How it works
People search for lists of scam numbers hoping to check a caller. Lists don't work well: scammers can fake the number that appears on your phone and move to new ones quickly, so a number that isn't on any list can still be a scam.
The scripts vary, such as a bank fraud team, a delivery firm, HMRC or a tech support line, but they share a pattern. A call, voicemail or text creates urgency and asks you to click a link, call a number, share a code or move money. The NCSC (the National Cyber Security Centre) describes the aim as getting you to visit a website that steals bank details or personal information.
So check the message, not just the number. Contact the organisation using a number from its official website, your bank card or a past statement, never the number in the message.
Sources checked: ofcom.org.uk, ncsc.gov.uk, actionfraud.police.uk
Last verified against the official page:
Red flags
- Unexpected call, text or voicemail that creates urgency
- A request for a PIN, password, full card number or a code you were sent
- A link to a site you didn't expect
- Someone claiming to be your bank, HMRC or the police asking you to move money
- A caller who won't let you hang up and call back
- A number or sender name that looks genuine (these can be faked)
Example message
We've noticed unusual activity on your account. To secure your funds, please confirm your details here: [link] or call our fraud team on [phone number] now.
What to do
- 1
Don't reply, click or call back
Replying to an unknown text can confirm your number is active. Don't use links or numbers in the message.
- 2
Check through an official channel
Call the organisation on a number from its website or your bank card. If you think it's your bank, you can dial 159 if your bank supports it, which connects you to your bank.
- 3
Forward scam texts to 7726
It's free, and your mobile provider can investigate and block the sender. For a call, send the number to 7726 in a text.
- 4
If you paid or shared details, call your bank now
Tell them it was fraud. Change passwords for accounts that were affected and turn on two-step verification.
- 5
Report it
Report fraud to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
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 get phone numbers and names from data breaches, and from lists of people sold or published by data brokers. The NCSC says criminals use information about you that's available online to make phishing messages more convincing. Serus finds the data brokers that operate where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. This doesn't stop scam calls. See our guide to data brokers.
Frequently asked
Is there a list of UK scam phone numbers I can check?
Not a reliable one. Scammers spoof and change numbers, so check the message itself and contact the organisation through an official number.
What does forwarding a text to 7726 do?
It's free and lets your mobile provider investigate the sender and block the number.
Who do I report scam calls to?
Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
Does reporting a scam help?
The NCSC says reporting can reduce the scam messages you get and protect others, and it has the power to take down scam addresses and websites.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
