Reporting a scam number takes a few minutes and genuinely helps. Networks use reports to block numbers, police use them to spot patterns, and other people use them to recognise a call before it catches them out. Here's how to do it properly.
Step 1: Write down the details while they're fresh
Before you delete anything, note down:
- the full number that called or texted, including any +44 or country code;
- the date and time;
- who the caller said they were, and what they asked for;
- any names, reference numbers, websites or payment details they gave.
A screenshot of the text or your call log is a quick way to keep this.
Step 2: If money or details were involved, call your bank
This comes before any other report. Ring 159 or the number on your card and explain what happened. Ask them to stop or recall any payment and to protect your account.
Step 3: Forward scam texts to 7726
Forward the whole message to 7726. It's free. You'll get a reply asking for the sender's number, so send that too. Don't click any link in the message while you're doing this.
Step 4: Report the crime
If you've been defrauded, or someone tried to, report it to Action Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) on 0300 123 2040 or online. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Keep the reference number you're given.
Step 5: Rate the number publicly
Search the number on Who Called Me Check. On its page, tap Scam or Spam, then add a short description in your own words, for example: "Said he was from my bank's fraud team and asked me to read out a code." Leave out your own name, address, account numbers and any codes. Ratings appear straight away and written reports are checked by a moderator before they're published.
Step 6: Block the number
On an iPhone, open your recent calls, tap the info button next to the number and choose Block this Caller. On Android, long-press the number in your call log and choose Block. Landline handsets and providers usually offer call blocking too.
What happens to your report?
You probably won't hear back individually. But reports are pooled: enough of them and a network will block a number, a website will be taken down, or a pattern will be passed to the police. Public ratings on Who Called Me Check help the very next person who searches the number.
Don't
- Don't call the number back to "tell them off". It confirms your number is live and may cost you.
- Don't reply to scam texts, even with STOP, unless it's from a company you know.
- Don't click links in the message to see what they are.
Not sure about a call you had?
Look the number up to see what kind of line it is, where it's from and what other people said about it.