How to Report Scam Calls in the UK

Scam calls are becoming increasingly common in the UK. Fraudsters may pretend to be from banks, government departments, delivery companies, or technical support services. Reporting scam calls helps authorities track criminals and prevents others from becoming victims.

⚠️ If you have shared financial details or lost money, contact your bank immediately before reporting the scam.

Step 1: Do Not Engage

Do not provide personal or banking information.
Hang up immediately if the caller pressures or threatens you.
Do not call back suspicious missed international numbers.

Step 2: Collect Key Details

Before reporting, gather:

The phone number that called you.
The date and time of the call.
What the caller claimed and requested.
Any voicemail or recorded message.

Step 3: Report to Official UK Authorities

Report fraud to Action Fraud (UK national fraud reporting centre).
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (free spam reporting service).
Report persistent unwanted calls to TPS (Telephone Preference Service).
If the scammer impersonated HMRC, report directly via GOV.UK scam reporting pages.

Step 4: Block the Number

Use your smartphone’s built-in call blocking feature.
Enable spam protection through your mobile provider.
Install trusted caller ID apps for additional protection.

When to Call 999

Call 999 immediately if:

You are being threatened with immediate harm.
A scammer is physically present at your address.
You believe you are in immediate danger.

Reporting scam calls helps authorities track fraud trends and shut down scam operations. Even if you did not lose money, your report may protect someone else.