In 2025, spam and scam calls continue to be a significant nuisance for UK residents. With the rise of digital communication and data breaches, spammers have become more sophisticated, using spoofed numbers and aggressive tactics. The UK’s telecom watchdog and spam call reporting platforms have flagged numerous numbers due to high volumes of complaints. This article highlights the most reported spam phone numbers in the UK for 2025, providing insights into the nature of these calls and how to protect yourself.
Summary Table: Most Reported Spam Numbers (2025)
| Phone Number | Type of Spam/Scam | Common Complaint | Call Origin (Apparent) |
| 020 3137 6317 | HMRC Scam | Fake tax or legal threats | London |
| 012 5858 8702 | Energy Rebate Scam | Offers fake rebates/loans | Lancashire |
| 017 7234 2898 | Insurance Scam | Accident compensation scheme | Preston |
| 020 8530 299 | Broadband/Tech Support | Claims of internet issues | London |
| 020 3007 0316 | Bank Scam | Pretends to be from your bank | London |
| 0161 968 7065 | Robocall Spam | Silent or automated messages | Manchester |
| 0161 464 0730 | Loan Scam | Fake financial services | Manchester |
Detailed Analysis of Top Spam Numbers
1. 020 3137 6317 – HMRC Scam
Location: London
Nature: High-risk phishing call
Description:
This number has been heavily reported for impersonating HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs). Victims report receiving automated messages threatening legal action over supposed unpaid taxes. The call usually includes a robotic voice urging the recipient to “press 1 to speak to a case officer.”
Real-life reports say:
“They said I’d be arrested unless I paid immediately—totally fake but very scary sounding.”
Red flags:
- Automated voice messages
- Threats of legal action
- Demands for immediate payment
Advice:
HMRC will never contact you via unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. Hang up and report the number to Action Fraud UK.
2. 012 5858 8702 – Energy Rebate Scam
Location: Lancashire
Nature: Financial fraud call
Description:
Scammers using this number claim to offer energy bill rebates or home efficiency grants. They often request personal banking information or ask you to make an upfront “processing fee.”
Frequent tactics:
- Claiming you qualify for a government grant
- Offering to reduce your energy bills
- Asking for banking info or card details
Real user experience:
“Sounded convincing at first, but they asked for my account number right away.”
Advice:
If you receive such a call, do not provide any financial information. Contact your utility company directly if in doubt.
3. 017 7234 2898 – Insurance Scam
Location: Preston
Nature: Compensation fraud
Description:
Callers from this number pose as agents from accident claims departments, stating that you’ve been involved in a recent road traffic accident and are eligible for compensation—even if you haven’t been in an accident.
Key phrases to watch for:
- “You were in a car accident recently”
- “We’re calling about your compensation”
- “Confirm your vehicle details”
Real review:
“Total scam—they didn’t even know what car I drive or the date of this ‘accident’.”
Advice:
These are classic examples of “phantom accident” scams. Never confirm any personal details unless you’re absolutely sure of the caller’s legitimacy.
4. 020 8530 299 – Tech Support Scam
Location: London
Nature: Broadband or technical support fraud
Description:
These callers often pretend to be from BT, Sky, or TalkTalk, claiming that your internet connection has been compromised. They may ask you to install remote access software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, giving them access to your device.
Scam traits:
- Claim of hacked router
- Asking to install remote software
- Request for payment to “fix” the problem
Victim statement:
“They almost had me install software on my PC to ‘clean up a virus’.”
Advice:
Never allow unsolicited remote access to your device. If your broadband provider needs to contact you, it will likely be through verified channels or via your account dashboard.
Check Recent Spamming Numbers:
2031376317: : 1258588702: : 1772342898: : 2031376317: : 1208530299
5. 020 3007 0316 – Bank Scam Call
Location: London
Nature: Banking impersonation
Description:
Fraudsters from this number impersonate banks like Barclays, HSBC, or Lloyds, claiming your account has been compromised. They often use number spoofing so the call looks like it’s from an official source.
What to look out for:
- They urge you to transfer money to a “safe” account
- Ask for online banking credentials or one-time passcodes
- Pretend to be fraud detection officers
User feedback:
“The number matched my bank, but the request to transfer funds felt suspicious—thankfully, I called the real bank and found out it was a scam.”
Advice:
No legitimate bank will ever ask you to move money to another account over the phone. Always end the call and ring your bank using the number on the back of your card.
6. 0161 968 7065 – Robocall Spam
Location: Manchester
Nature: Silent/spam robocalls
Description:
One of the most irritating entries on the list, this number frequently makes silent calls or hangs up immediately, leading many to believe it is used for “pinging” numbers to confirm active lines for later scams.
Patterns:
- Silent or hang-up calls
- Repeated calls throughout the day
- No voicemail or human interaction
Users say:
“I kept getting calls at odd hours, and every time I answered, it was dead silent.”
Advice:
Block this number immediately and consider registering your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce robocalls.
7. 0161 464 0730 – Loan & Debt Scam
Location: Manchester
Nature: Fake loan/credit assistance
Description:
This number targets vulnerable individuals looking for loans or debt relief. They often promise instant approvals and low interest rates, followed by demands for an upfront fee or banking information.
Scam strategy:
- “Pre-approved” loan offers
- Urgency to act fast
- Request for processing fees
Report from a victim:
“They said I was approved for a £5,000 loan but needed £150 upfront. Classic scam.”
Advice:
Be very cautious of any lender who asks for money before issuing a loan. Always verify lenders via the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website.
Repeat Offenders: Duplicate Reports
Interestingly, some numbers appear more than once in public databases, hinting at number spoofing or recycled spam lines.
| Repeated Number | Reason for Repetition |
| 020 3137 6317 | Multiple scams: HMRC + loans |
| 017 7234 2898 | Insurance and accident claims |
| 0161 968 7065 | Used across multiple robocalls |
| 1619687065 | Format variation of the same |
| 2031376317 | Different formatting, same use |
This demonstrates how spammers often reuse or disguise phone numbers with slight formatting differences to bypass filters and blacklists.
How to Protect Yourself from Spam Calls
- Use Call-Blocking Apps: Install apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or your network provider’s in-house spam filter.
- Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If it’s important, they will leave a voicemail.
- Never Share Personal Info: Especially over the phone unless you’re 100% sure of the caller’s identity.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Use websites like WhoCalledMe, TPS, or report directly to your telecom provider.
- Register with TPS: This service helps reduce legitimate marketing calls but won’t stop illegal ones.
Final Thoughts
Spam phone calls remain a persistent issue in the UK, but awareness and vigilance can make all the difference. Numbers like 020 3137 6317, 012 5858 8702, and 0161 464 0730 have been flagged hundreds, even thousands of times, showing the scale of the problem. While telecom companies are investing in spam call detection, it’s ultimately up to users to stay informed and cautious.
If you’ve received calls from any of the numbers listed above, consider reporting them to both your provider and official bodies. The more data collected, the better the chances of taking these fraudsters offline.
