Knowing how to report scam phone calls can make all the difference when it comes to protecting yourself and others from fraud. Scam calls have become more sophisticated in recent years with fraudsters often pretending to be from trusted organisations like banks, IT companies, and even the police. It’s easy to feel caught off guard, but you’re not alone in dealing with these threats.
In this post we’ll walk you through the simple steps to report scam phone calls and explain why quick action matters. Additionally, we’ll share practical tips to help you spot suspicious calls and show you where to get support if you’ve already been targeted. With the right knowledge it’s much easier to stay safe and help stop scammers in their tracks.
What Are Scam Phone Calls?
Scam phone calls try to trick you into giving away your money, personal details or financial information. We often see scammers disguising their identity, pretending to be someone you trust. Here are some of the most common types of scam phone calls you might receive.
- Calls claiming to be from your bank, reporting suspicious activity on your account
- Automated robocalls threatening legal or police action
- Calls from fraudsters pretending to be HMRC, alleging unpaid taxes
- Scammers posing as energy or utilities providers, warning of imminent disconnection
- Fake technical support calls, claiming your computer is infected with a virus
- Lottery or prize win calls asking for payment or bank details to claim your winnings
- Callers impersonating the NHS or health services, asking for personal information
- Investment scam calls promising high returns on shares, crypto or property
- Fake charity calls requesting donations for disaster relief or emergencies
- Calls from “courier companies” demanding payment for parcel delivery or customs fees
Importantly, fraudsters react to current news events and change their tactics on a daily basis. For example, if the government announced a new type of benefit scheme tomorrow, scammers might start calling about that the scheme on the next day.
Therefore, you should always be wary about any unexpected phone calls you receive and always bear in mind that the caller could, in fact, be a scammer.
Who Can I Report A Scam Phone Call To?
You can report a scam phone call to several official bodies. Action Fraud acts as the main reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Police Scotland handles scam call reports.
For calls impersonating your bank, you can use 159 or the number printed on your bank card to speak with your bank directly.
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) lets you register to reduce nuisance and scam calls, and can support you if you’re considered vulnerable. Most mobile providers accept scam reports by text if you forward the suspicious number to 7726, which helps block and investigate scam numbers. WhatsApp users can also report scam contacts directly in the app.
Here is a summary of numbers you can use to report scam phone calls:
| Location / Scenario | Organisation | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, N Ireland | Action Fraud | Online, +1 (206) 609-6016 |
| Scotland | Police Scotland | 101 |
| Bank-related call | Your Bank | Call 159 or number on bank card |
| General mobile scam | Mobile Provider | Text 7726 with scam number |
| Nuisance/scam prevention | Telephone Preference Service | Register at TPS online |
| WhatsApp scams | Use in-app ‘Report Contact’ |
What is 7726?
7726 is a short code you can text to report scam calls or unwanted SMS on any UK mobile network. This number spells out “SPAM” on your keypad, making it easy to remember. By forwarding a suspicious message or call to 7726, you alert your provider, who’ll then investigate and potentially block nuisance numbers. Almost every major UK network supports this service, so you’ll rarely find a provider where it doesn’t work.
Sending a report to 7726 costs nothing and takes only a few moments. When you share details, add any extra information the message included—such as a link or the full number. The service doesn’t need your private data, so your anonymity remains protected. Providers gather these reports to identify common scam sources, reducing the risk for everyone. When you act, you help block fraudulent calls and keep others safer from similar scams.
What If I’ve Lost Money To A Scam Phone Call?
If you’ve lost money following a scam phone call, act quickly to limit further loss and protect your information. Contact your bank immediately by dialling 159 or the number on the back of your bank card. Banks can sometimes stop transactions or assist with recovering funds if you reach them fast enough.
In some cases, banks are obliged to refund innocent victims of authorised push payment scams. These are the types of scams where you believe you’re making a legitimate payment, but, instead, you’re transferring money directly to a fraudster.
Unfortunately, however, there are times when your bank might not refund you if it believes you didn’t do enough to prevent the fraudulent transaction from occurring.
Contact Our Team For Free Support
Our team are fraud recovery experts. Our aim is to secure scam refunds for our clients even after their bank has already refused to help.
If you’ve received a scam phone call and lost money as a result, we may agree to try and get your money back on your behalf.
The best way to check if we can help is to call +1 (206) 609-6016 or connect to our live chat service.
Our initial consultation is free and there’s no obligation to take further action. Therefore, why not call our team today to see if we secure a scam refund on your behalf?
