Spam phone calls have become one of the most pressing communication nuisances in the UK, with thousands of individuals receiving unsolicited calls each day. While some of these are merely annoying, others are more sinister—posing as legitimate organisations to scam vulnerable individuals out of money or sensitive information.
In 2025, authorities and telecom providers have ramped up efforts to block and track these calls. However, spam numbers still slip through the net. Below, we explore the most reported spam phone numbers across the UK this year and provide essential information to help you identify and avoid them.
Table: Top Reported Spam Numbers in the UK (2025)
| Phone Number | Type of Scam/Spam | Common Tactic Used | Risk Level |
| 07418374159 | Fake Delivery Text Scam | Phishing for payment info | High |
| 01218241090 | HMRC Impersonation | Threats of legal action | High |
| 0333 242 1170 | Bank Scam Call | Claims of fraudulent activity | High |
| 0800 033 8005 | Broadband Disconnection | Pretends to be from BT/Virgin | Medium |
| 01273036580 | Fake Energy Provider | Offers fake energy deals | Medium |
| 01257822990 | Insurance Refund Scam | Claims refund on life insurance | Medium |
| 01782970676 | Amazon Prime Scam | Fake subscription issues | High |
| 0191 282 6222 | NHS/Medical Scam | Spoofed as medical facility | High |
| 02076648392 | Investment Fraud | Fake financial opportunities | High |
| +44 161 531 5138 | International Scam Ring | Cryptocurrency scam/fake firms | High |
1. 07418374159 — Fake Delivery Text Scam
This mobile number has been widely reported for sending text messages claiming to be from delivery services such as Royal Mail, DPD, or Hermes. Victims often receive a message indicating a parcel couldn’t be delivered due to unpaid fees, directing them to a fraudulent website.
Typical Message:
“Your parcel is waiting for delivery. Please pay £1.99 to reschedule: [malicious link]”
What to Do:
- Never click on unknown links.
- Contact the delivery service directly using their official website.
Risk Level: High
2. 01218241090 — HMRC Impersonation Scam
Originating from the Birmingham area code, this number is used to impersonate HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Callers often threaten legal action or arrest if “unpaid taxes” are not resolved immediately.
Tactics Used:
- Pre-recorded robotic messages.
- Urgency and fear to prompt quick action.
- Demands for payment through vouchers or bank transfers.
What to Do:
- HMRC will never threaten arrest over the phone.
- Report the number to Action Fraud UK.
Risk Level: High
3. 0333 242 1170 — Bank Scam Alert
This number has been flagged by multiple users as a fake banking fraud alert line. Callers pretend to be from major UK banks like Barclays, HSBC, or NatWest, warning of suspicious activity on your account.
Warning Signs:
- Requests to “move money to a safe account”.
- Asking for your full security details.
- Attempts to stay on the call while you make transactions.
What to Do:
- Hang up and call your bank using the official number.
- Report the incident to your bank immediately.
Risk Level: High
4. 0800 033 8005 — Broadband Disconnection Threat
This freephone number is linked to scammers pretending to be from BT, Virgin Media, or Sky. They claim your broadband is compromised and will be disconnected unless action is taken.
Typical Phrases:
“Your internet will be shut down in 24 hours due to illegal activity.”
Scammers’ Goal:
- Gain remote access to your device.
- Install malware or steal personal data.
What to Do:
- End the call immediately.
- Call your broadband provider directly.
Risk Level: Medium
Check Recent Spamming Numbers:
1484599876: : 3301240406: : 3301740216: : 7874425213: : 2870024018
5. 01273036580 — Fake Energy Provider Scam
Scammers using this Brighton-based number claim to offer cheaper energy tariffs. While sounding professional, these are not authorised sellers and often ask for bank or meter details.
Tactics Include:
- Offering “limited-time” deals.
- Asking for your current energy provider and account number.
What to Do:
- Always confirm legitimacy through Ofgem’s accredited list.
- Avoid sharing energy account details with cold callers.
Risk Level: Medium
6. 01257822990 — Life Insurance Refund Scam
This Chorley-based number is reported for impersonating insurance companies. The caller offers a refund for overpaid life insurance premiums—something that sounds too good to be true.
What to Watch For:
- They may already know your name or address.
- Request for personal or banking info to “process the refund”.
What to Do:
- Contact your insurance provider directly.
- Never share personal info with unsolicited callers.
Risk Level: Medium
7. 01782970676 — Amazon Prime Scam
One of the most persistent scams, this number calls victims claiming their Amazon Prime subscription will auto-renew at a high cost. The caller then offers to cancel the subscription if you provide card details.
Typical Script:
“Your Amazon Prime account is due for renewal. Press 1 to cancel.”
Their Goal:
- Capture your card and account credentials.
- Access your Amazon account.
What to Do:
- Do not press any buttons or speak to them.
- Log in to your Amazon account to check status directly.
Risk Level: High
8. 0191 282 6222 — NHS/Medical Scam
This number has been spoofed to impersonate NHS departments or private clinics. The scam may involve fake appointment confirmations, test results, or medical refunds.
Target Audience:
- Elderly or vulnerable people.
- Those recently in contact with NHS services.
What to Do:
- Call your GP or NHS 111 to verify any such contact.
- Avoid giving any personal or payment details.
Risk Level: High
9. 02076648392 — Investment Scam
Based in London, this number is linked to cold calls offering “investment opportunities” in cryptocurrency, stocks, or commodities. These are high-pressure sales pitches that aim to steal money or details.
Red Flags:
- Promises of guaranteed high returns.
- Pushy tactics to “act now”.
What to Do:
- Hang up immediately.
- Verify with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Risk Level: High
10. +44 161 531 5138 — International Scam Ring
Reported as part of a network targeting UK residents, this Manchester-based number has been associated with cryptocurrency scams, tech support fraud, and phishing.
Their Strategy:
- Claiming to be from tech giants like Microsoft or Coinbase.
- Pushing victims to download remote control software like AnyDesk.
What to Do:
- Disconnect and block the number.
- Report to your local cybercrime unit or Action Fraud.
Risk Level: High
How to Protect Yourself from Spam and Scam Calls
Dealing with spam calls is frustrating, but there are concrete steps you can take to reduce your exposure and protect yourself:
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS):
- Free service to reduce marketing calls.
- Website: tpsonline.org.uk
- Free service to reduce marketing calls.
- Use Call-Blocking Apps:
- Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or your phone’s built-in blocking settings can filter known scam numbers.
- Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or your phone’s built-in blocking settings can filter known scam numbers.
- Enable “Silence Unknown Callers”:
- Available on most smartphones, this feature sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
- Available on most smartphones, this feature sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
- Never Share Personal or Financial Info Over the Phone:
- Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive details over unsolicited calls.
- Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive details over unsolicited calls.
- Report Suspicious Calls:
- Use Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) or your telecom provider’s spam reporting service.
- Use Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) or your telecom provider’s spam reporting service.
Final Thoughts
The increasing sophistication of spam and scam phone calls in the UK shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. With scammers becoming more convincing, it’s essential to stay vigilant, question unexpected calls, and trust your instincts. If a call feels off—even if it appears to be from a familiar number—hang up, take a breath, and investigate independently.
Protecting yourself and reporting these numbers not only prevents personal loss but helps shield the wider community. Stay informed, stay alert, and share this article with others who might benefit from the warning.
