Spam calls have become an everyday nuisance for UK residents, with thousands of complaints reported every month. In 2025, telecom watchdogs have flagged numerous phone numbers for suspicious, fraudulent, or harassing behavior. These unwanted calls often aim to scam, phish for personal data, or sell unsolicited products. To help users stay informed and safe, we’ve compiled a list of the top reported spam phone numbers in the UK (2025) based on user feedback, industry reports, and digital trace data.
Most Reported Spam Numbers in UK (2025)
| Phone Number | Reported Type | Common Scam Description | Risk Level |
| 0161 520 2425 | HMRC Scam | Fake tax investigation threats | High |
| 020 3608 1936 | Energy Tariff Scam | Fake calls about energy rebates | High |
| 020 3475 2474 | Investment Fraud | Crypto investment and trading scam | High |
| 0330 174 0216 | Amazon Phishing | Impersonates Amazon support | Medium |
| 07874 425213 | WhatsApp Phishing | Malware links sent via SMS/WhatsApp | High |
| 0287 002 4018 | Bank Impersonation | Claims to be from UK banks like HSBC | High |
| 07418 360549 | Insurance Spam | Fake car insurance calls | Medium |
| 0287 002 4625 | Royal Mail Scam | Fake missed delivery notifications | High |
| 0191 364 0223 | Broadband Scam | Claims your internet will be cut off | Medium |
| 0161 820 0299 | Debt Relief Scam | Claims to be from debt management firms | High |
0161 520 2425 – HMRC Threat Call Scam
This Manchester-based number has been widely reported for impersonating HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). Callers claim that you owe unpaid taxes and threaten legal action or arrest unless immediate payment is made. Many victims are coerced into sharing personal banking details or making wire transfers.
“They told me I had a tax fraud case and would be arrested. I panicked, but thankfully hung up before sending money.” – Emma L., Leeds
Warning: HMRC never contacts citizens by phone demanding urgent payment or threatening arrest.
020 3608 1936 – Fake Energy Tariff Call
Originating from a London area code, this number is linked to a scam involving energy supplier switchovers. Victims receive calls offering low-rate energy deals or rebates.
Tip: Always verify the identity of an energy provider through official websites before agreeing to anything over the phone.
020 3475 2474 – Crypto and Investment Scam
This number is notorious for targeting individuals through investment-related scams. Fraudsters pose as brokers offering “guaranteed” returns from cryptocurrency or forex investments. Victims report losing thousands after transferring funds to fake trading platforms.
“They promised 300% returns on Bitcoin. I invested £2,000 and never heard back.” – Mark D., Birmingham
Risk Level: Extremely high. Never invest based on cold calls or unsolicited financial advice.
0330 174 0216 – Fake Amazon Support
Users receiving calls from this number are told there’s a security issue with their Amazon account. The scammers request remote access to the victim’s device or bank details to resolve the issue.
Red Flag: Amazon will never ask for remote access to your device.
“They said my Amazon account had unauthorized purchases and wanted my card details. Obvious scam.” – Hannah K., Liverpool
07874 425213 – WhatsApp & SMS Malware Scam
These links often contain malware or phishing pages mimicking banks, delivery services, or shopping platforms.
Advice: Do not click on unknown links, especially those claiming urgent account issues or missed deliveries.
Scam Format:
“Your parcel is waiting for delivery. Confirm now: [phishing link]”
0287 002 4018 – Bank Impersonation Fraud
Reported heavily in Northern Ireland, this number pretends to be from banks like HSBC, Barclays, or Lloyds. The scammers claim there’s a suspicious transaction on your account and ask for your PIN, password, or security answers.
Reminder: Banks will NEVER ask for full passwords or PINs via phone.
07418 360549 – Car Insurance & Claims Spam
These are typically data-harvesting scams looking to collect information for fake claims or upsell dubious insurance policies.
“They insisted I had a recent accident, but I don’t even drive!” – Jason M., Glasgow
Tip: Register your number with TPS (Telephone Preference Service) to reduce cold calls.
0287 002 4625 – Fake Royal Mail Delivery Scam
This Northern Irish number sends fake delivery alerts, either via call or SMS. It tricks recipients into paying a small “redelivery” fee or clicking phishing links.
“It looked exactly like a Royal Mail page. I nearly entered my credit card info.” – Sandra F., Belfast
Stay Safe: Only use tracking and payment services on Royal Mail’s official site.
0191 364 0223 – Broadband Service Disconnection Scam
Claiming to be from major internet providers (e.g., BT, Virgin Media), this number threatens to disconnect your broadband unless you provide access to your router or computer. These scammers typically try to install remote desktop software.
“They wanted me to install AnyDesk to ‘fix a breach.’ Total scam!” – Khalid R., Newcastle
Key Sign: Providers never request software installation via phone calls.
0161 820 0299 – Debt Management Scam
Often posing as a “government debt relief program,” this number targets vulnerable people with false promises to eliminate or reduce debt.
Warning Sign: Legitimate debt charities in the UK are free and never call unsolicited.
How To Protect Yourself From Spam & Scam Calls
If you receive a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately – Do not engage or press any buttons.
- Do not share personal info – Never give out banking, passwords, or account numbers.
- Use call-blocking apps – Enable spam protection on your mobile device.
- Register with TPS – Reduce legal cold calls through the Telephone Preference Service.
- Report to authorities – Use Action Fraud UK and Ofcom reporting tools.
Key Takeaways
- The UK continues to see rising numbers of phone-based scams in 2025.
- Callers impersonate government, tech, banking, and delivery services.
- Always verify calls independently and never trust unsolicited requests for money or data.
Summary Table
| Spam Type | Common Scam Numbers | Risk Level |
| HMRC & Tax Scams | 0161 520 2425 | High |
| Energy/Utility Scams | 020 3608 1936 | High |
| Investment Frauds | 020 3475 2474 | High |
| Tech Support Impersonation | 0330 174 0216 | Medium |
| WhatsApp/SMS Phishing | 07874 425213 | High |
| Bank Impersonation | 0287 002 4018 | High |
| Insurance Scams | 07418 360549 | Medium |
| Delivery Scams | 0287 002 4625 | High |
| Broadband Threats | 0191 364 0223 | Medium |
| Debt Relief Frauds | 0161 820 0299 | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?
Answer: Look for signs like pressure to act quickly, requests for money or personal information, and impersonation of authority figures. If in doubt, hang up and call the real organization directly.
Q2: Can I block spam numbers permanently?
Answer: Yes, most smartphones allow you to block numbers. You can also use apps like Truecaller or Hiya for automatic spam detection.
Q3: Should I report spam calls?
Answer: Absolutely. Reporting helps regulatory authorities track and shut down these operations. Use services like Action Fraud, Ofcom, and your mobile carrier’s spam reporting system.
Q4: Are mobile spam calls more dangerous than landline ones?
Answer: Not necessarily, but mobile users are more often targeted via SMS links that can install malware or steal login credentials.
Q5: What should I do if I gave my info to a scam caller?
Answer: Immediately contact your bank, update your passwords, monitor transactions, and report the fraud to Action Fraud UK at actionfraud.police.uk.
