UK Phone Scam Alerts
The phone scams people in the UK report most often, how each one works and what to do. Each page lists the real numbers our visitors reported for that scam.
HMRC tax scam
A caller or recorded message says you owe tax, a warrant is out for your arrest, or you are due a tax refund, and asks you to pay or give bank details.
Bank impersonation scam
Someone claiming to be from your bank's fraud team says your account is under attack and asks you to move money to a "safe account" or read out a code.
Police impersonation scam
A caller pretends to be a police officer or detective, says your identity was used in a crime, and asks for money, bank details or your help with an "investigation".
Parcel delivery scam
A message or call says a parcel could not be delivered and you must pay a small fee or confirm your details to rebook it.
Amazon and tech support scam
A recorded message or caller says there is a problem with your Amazon account, your computer or your broadband, and asks you to press 1 or install software.
Investment and crypto scam
A caller offers high, "guaranteed" returns on cryptocurrency, shares, pensions or trading platforms, often after you entered details on a website or advert.
Three rules that stop most phone scams
- Never give codes, PINs or passwords to a caller, whoever they say they are.
- Hang up and call back on a number you trust: the back of your card, a letter, or the official website. For your bank, call 159.
- Don't be rushed. Real banks, HMRC and the police never pressure you to act within minutes.
Report scams to Action Fraud, forward scam texts to 7726, and report the number here to warn others. See also how to block unwanted calls and the latest reports.