In the modern world, phone scams have become a significant issue, with scam callers frequently targeting people across the United Kingdom. Whether it’s fraudulent debt collection, unsolicited marketing, or malicious attempts to steal personal information, scammers are increasingly using mobile and landline numbers to carry out their illegal activities. As technology evolves, so do the techniques used by scammers, making it essential for consumers to stay informed and be vigilant.
In this article, we will explore the top reported spam phone numbers in the UK in 2025. These numbers have been flagged by users, telecommunication companies, and various tools such as TrueCaller, WhoCalledMe, and others. We’ll provide insights into why these numbers are flagged as spam, what types of scams they are linked to, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these phone scams.
Overview of Spam Calls in the UK
Spam calls have been a persistent problem for years. They are usually unsolicited phone calls designed to sell something or scam the recipient into sharing personal information. These calls can come from a variety of sources, including telemarketers, robocallers, and fraudulent entities claiming to represent legitimate organizations like banks or government agencies.
As of 2025, the UK has seen a sharp rise in spam calls, with thousands of people reporting unwanted calls each day. The advent of caller ID spoofing technology, which allows scammers to disguise their phone number to look like a local or trusted number, has only added to the complexity of dealing with these unwanted calls.
List of the Top Reported Spam Numbers in the UK (2025)
Here are the top reported spam phone numbers in the UK as of 2025. Below, we provide detailed information about each number, its potential risks, and what people are saying about them.
| Phone Number | Type of Spam | Reported Scam Type | Call Frequency | Reports |
| 01743839873 | Landline | Unsolicited Marketing & Debt Collection | Frequent | High |
| 01616601030 | Landline | Robocall – PPI and Accident Claims | Moderate | High |
| 01289222041 | Landline | Scam Bank/Account Verification Calls | Frequent | High |
| 01952446550 | Landline | Fake Government or Tax Office Call | Frequent | High |
| 01205386545 | Landline | Robocall – Investment Opportunities | Moderate | High |
| 01389493417 | Landline | Unsolicited Calls from Telemarketers | Frequent | Medium |
| 07418374545 | Mobile | Fraudulent Loan and Credit Offers | Frequent | High |
| 01700663675 | Landline | Fake Charity Calls | Low | Medium |
| 01782580403 | Landline | Fake Insurance or Warranty Offers | Frequent | High |
| 01618504320 | Landline | Impersonating Banks or Police | High | Very High |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Spam Number
1. 01743839873 – Unsolicited Marketing & Debt Collection Calls
This number is one of the most frequently reported for unsolicited marketing calls and fraudulent debt collection attempts. Many UK residents have reported receiving calls from this number, where the caller claims to represent a debt collection agency or an unsecured loan provider. The aim of these calls is typically to get personal information or even to pressure individuals into making payments for debts they may not even owe.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Scammers may try to coerce you into paying fake debts.
- Personal information could be stolen for identity theft.
- Callers may threaten legal action to create a sense of urgency.
What You Can Do:
- Block the number immediately.
- Report the number to Ofcom or Action Fraud.
- Never share financial details with unsolicited callers.
2. 01616601030 – Robocall for PPI and Accident Claims
This number is notorious for robocalls offering assistance with PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) claims or accident claims. Scammers will often use prerecorded messages that prompt the receiver to press a number to claim compensation. Once you engage, they may try to gather your personal details, making you vulnerable to scams.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Often attempts to collect sensitive information for fraudulent purposes.
- Calls may appear legitimate due to the use of automated systems.
- Can lead to high-pressure sales tactics for unnecessary services.
What You Can Do:
- Hang up immediately if the call is from an unknown number.
- Use apps like TrueCaller to identify robocalls.
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce marketing calls.
3. 01289222041 – Scam Bank/Account Verification Calls
Many UK residents have reported receiving calls from this number claiming to be from their bank or financial institution. The caller typically asks for confirmation of account details under the pretense of verifying suspicious activity. This is a classic case of phishing designed to steal bank account credentials.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Attempt to steal sensitive banking information.
- High risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
- Can be convincing due to the impersonation of legitimate institutions.
What You Can Do:
- Hang up and call your bank’s official number directly to confirm any issues.
- Never share personal banking information over the phone.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your bank account.
4. 01952446550 – Fake Government or Tax Office Call
This number is flagged for scam calls impersonating government authorities or tax offices. The callers often claim that you owe taxes or have outstanding fines, threatening legal action if immediate payment isn’t made. These types of calls are aimed at exploiting fear and urgency to manipulate individuals.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Fake legal threats can create panic, leading individuals to make hasty decisions.
- Scammers may try to steal your financial information.
- Callers can be very aggressive and convincing.
What You Can Do:
- Always verify such calls through the official government website.
- Report the number to Action Fraud.
- Remember, tax offices will never ask for payment over the phone.
5. 01205386545 – Robocall for Investment Opportunities
This number is used by scammers promoting fake investment opportunities. Often, they promise high returns with minimal risk and attempt to convince the receiver to invest in non-existent schemes, such as cryptocurrency or foreign exchange trading.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- High risk of losing money due to fraudulent investment schemes.
- Scammers may attempt to manipulate emotions such as greed or fear.
- Potential for money laundering activities.
What You Can Do:
- Avoid any unsolicited calls related to investment offers.
- Conduct thorough research before making any investments.
- Report fraudulent schemes to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
6. 01389493417 – Telemarketing Scams
This number is typically associated with aggressive telemarketing practices. The callers might try to sell services such as energy plans, home improvements, or fake charity donations. They can be persistent and often try to pressure you into making quick decisions.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Telemarketers may offer services that are either unnecessary or overpriced.
- Scammers may try to get you to reveal personal details.
- High risk of financial exploitation through misleading offers.
What You Can Do:
- Register with TPS to stop unwanted telemarketing calls.
- Always ask for written information before agreeing to any services over the phone.
- Block the number if calls continue.
7. 07418374545 – Fraudulent Loan and Credit Offers
This mobile number is used for fraudulent loan and credit offer scams. The scammers often promise easy access to loans with low interest rates and minimal requirements, targeting individuals who may be in financial distress. Once personal information is shared, they may try to access bank accounts or charge fees upfront.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- High risk of financial loss due to upfront fees or identity theft.
- Loan terms are often fake and could lead to further debt.
- Scammers may create fake contracts to appear legitimate.
What You Can Do:
- Never provide bank details or personal information to unknown callers.
- Report the number to Ofcom and Action Fraud.
- Always research lenders before accepting offers.
8. 01700663675 – Fake Charity Calls
This number is used by scammers impersonating charities. They may claim to be collecting donations for a noble cause, such as children’s hospitals or disaster relief, but in reality, the funds go to the scammer’s pocket.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Scammers exploit your goodwill and charitable spirit.
- Fraudulent calls can divert donations meant for real causes.
- High emotional manipulation tactics can make it hard to say no.
What You Can Do:
- Always verify charity legitimacy through the Charity Commission.
- Donate through official channels, not unsolicited calls.
- Block and report the number if it is suspicious.
9. 01782580403 – Fake Insurance or Warranty Offers
This number has been flagged for calls offering fake insurance or warranty packages. These callers often claim that your existing warranty or insurance is about to expire and attempt to sell you new coverage plans.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Scammers may steal payment details for nonexistent insurance policies.
- The pressure to act quickly can lead to hasty decisions.
- Offers can be confusing and filled with hidden terms.
What You Can Do:
- Never buy insurance or warranties over the phone.
- Contact your existing insurance provider directly to verify any changes.
- Report the call to Action Fraud.
10. 01618504320 – Impersonating Banks or Police
This number is used by scammers pretending to be from banks or law enforcement agencies. They might claim you’ve been involved in criminal activities or financial fraud and ask you to verify your identity or bank account details.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Scammers can steal your identity or money by impersonating trusted authorities.
- Calls may be intimidating, making it difficult to recognize fraud.
- Personal information, once provided, can be misused for various criminal activities.
What You Can Do:
- Always verify the caller’s identity by calling back using the official contact details.
- Be wary of callers who ask for sensitive information.
- Report the number to Action Fraud if you suspect a scam.
How to Protect Yourself From Spam Calls
1. Use Call Blocking Apps
Apps like TrueCaller and WhoCalledMe can help you identify and block scam numbers. These apps use crowdsourced data to flag known spam callers, giving you an extra layer of protection.
2. Register with TPS
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited marketing calls. Registering with TPS is free and helps reduce the number of spam calls you receive.
3. Be Cautious When Sharing Personal Information
Never share your bank account, personal, or financial details over the phone unless you’re absolutely sure of the caller’s identity. Always hang up and call back using the official contact number of the organization they claim to represent.
4. Report Spam Calls
If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the relevant authorities such as Action Fraud or Ofcom. Reporting helps track and shut down scam operations.
Conclusion
Spam calls continue to be a major issue in the UK, and the numbers listed in this article are just a few examples of the scams targeting residents in 2025. By staying informed, using tools like caller ID apps, and being cautious with personal information, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.
Remember to report any suspicious numbers to the appropriate authorities and block them to prevent further contact. Your vigilance plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of these scams and protecting others from potential harm.
FAQs
1. How do I block spam calls?
You can block spam calls using your phone’s built-in features or through apps like TrueCaller and WhoCalledMe. Additionally, you can report the numbers to Ofcom.
2. Are spam calls illegal?
While not all unsolicited calls are illegal, many spam calls, especially those that involve fraud or misrepresentation, are against the law. You can report these calls to Action Fraud.
3. Can I stop receiving all marketing calls?
Yes, by registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), you can opt out of receiving unsolicited marketing calls.
4. How do I know if a call is from a legitimate source?
If a caller claims to be from a bank, government agency, or well-known company, hang up and call them back using the official number on their website.
5. What should I do if I’ve given personal information to a scammer?
If you believe you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately to block any transactions and report the incident to Action Fraud.
“Explore the top reported spam phone numbers in the UK for 2025, including 01743839873, 01616601030, 01289222041, 01952446550, 01205386545, 01389493417, 07418374545, 01700663675, 01782580403, and 01618504320. Learn how to protect yourself from scams, fraudulent calls, and telemarketing abuse. Stay safe and informed with these key tips for blocking and reporting spam numbers.”
