Top Scam Phone Numbers in the UK

Spam calls continue to be a persistent issue for UK residents, with millions receiving unwanted calls daily. These calls range from fake insurance claims to energy rebates, HMRC scams, and even threats of legal action. In 2025, several phone numbers have stood out due to the high volume of complaints and reports from users. This article lists the Top Reported Spam Phone Numbers in the UK (2025) and provides detailed information about each one. If you’ve received calls from any of the numbers below, you’re not alone—and you’re right to be cautious.

Table of Top Reported Spam Numbers in UK (2025)

Phone Number	Type of Scam	Reported Issue	Recommendation
01544329845	HMRC / Tax Scam	Threats of arrest or fines	Block & report
03330038533	Energy Scam	Fake rebate offers	Do not share info
07418374159	Insurance Fraud	False car accident claims	Block immediately
01218241090	Debt Collection Scam	Claims of unpaid bills	Hang up & report
0333 242 1170	Broadband Scam	Claims to be from BT	Verify with provider
0800 033 8005	Fake Banking Services	Urgent banking issues	Never provide OTP
01273036580	Compensation Scam	Mis-sold insurance compensation	Highly suspicious
01257822990	Fake Job Offers	Phishing for personal data	Ignore & report
01782970676	Health Scam	Free health checks or devices	Likely a trap
0191 282 6222	Tech Support Scam	Claims of PC issues from Microsoft	Total scam

01544329845 — HMRC or Tax Scam

This number is one of the most reported in 2025. Victims say callers pretend to be from HM Revenue & Customs and claim the recipient owes unpaid tax. The threat of immediate arrest, police involvement, or legal action is used to pressure the individual into paying quickly via bank transfer or gift cards.

“They said there was a warrant out for my arrest if I didn’t pay today. Scared me until I realized it was a scam.” — UK resident, Reddit.

What to do: HMRC never contacts people like this by phone. Hang up and report the number to Action Fraud UK.

03330038533 — Energy Rebate Scam

Callers from this number claim you’re eligible for a government energy rebate due to overpayment or updated rates. They ask for banking or card details to “process the refund,” but it’s just a clever ruse to steal your money.

Common phrases:

“You’ve been approved for a rebate.”
“We just need your card number to process.”

What to do: Contact your actual energy provider directly. Never share your details over the phone with cold callers.

07418374159 — Fake Car Insurance Claims

This mobile number is linked to false insurance compensation claims. Targets are told they’ve been in a recent car accident and are eligible for injury compensation—even if no accident ever happened.

Why it’s dangerous: They often already know partial details like your name or car registration, making them seem legitimate.

Recommended action: Do not confirm any details. Block the number and report it to your insurance company.

01218241090 — Fake Debt Collection Agency

Scammers using this number claim to be debt collectors working for well-known agencies. They often refer to made-up outstanding payments and threaten legal action or court visits if you don’t pay immediately.

Warning signs:

“You owe £1,273 from an unpaid Vodafone account.”
“We’ll be taking legal action if you don’t comply today.”

Tip: Real debt collection notices are never made this way. Always verify with your original service provider.

0333 242 1170 — BT or Broadband Scam

Many report this number as a fake BT customer service line. The caller usually says your internet is compromised or being used by hackers. Their real goal is to get access to your devices or personal login credentials.

“They said my broadband had been hacked and asked me to install a remote app. I hung up.” — Victim on Trustpilot

Advice: Do not install any software or share passwords. BT and other broadband providers never ask you to do this.

0800 033 8005 — Fake Banking Services

Although it appears to be a toll-free number, this is a known fake bank security hotline. You might receive a voicemail or direct call claiming unauthorized transactions on your card. They ask for your OTP (One-Time Password) to “cancel” the transaction.

What’s really happening: They’re trying to access your account in real-time. Giving them your OTP will give them full access to transfer funds.

Stay safe: Always call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Do not trust unsolicited calls.

Check Recent Spamming Numbers:

01634535585 : : 040855989821 : : 01618200299 : : 07441902976 : : 01162018000

01273036580 — Mis-Sold Insurance Compensation

This number is notorious for calling people to discuss a supposed PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) or other insurance refund. Callers claim you’re owed thousands and just need to verify details.

What happens next: You provide sensitive information, which is then used for identity theft or further scam attempts.

Avoid: If you are unsure, hang up and speak to your bank or insurance company directly.

01257822990 — Fake Job Offer Phishing

Reported as a number that offers too-good-to-be-true job roles, this scam preys on job seekers. They claim to offer remote jobs or contract positions with high pay, but you’re asked to pay a “registration fee” or share personal details.

Telltale signs:

“We need your National Insurance number.”
“Just pay £50 to complete the process.”

Don’t fall for it: No real employer will ask for payment to apply for a job.

01782970676 — Health and Medical Equipment Scam

This scam involves promises of free health checks, mobility aids, or hearing devices. The catch? You must pay for delivery or provide card details. The elderly are common targets.

Real-world example:

“They said they were from the NHS offering me a free walker. All I had to do was pay shipping. It felt fishy.”

Warning: NHS does not operate this way. Hang up immediately and report to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority.

0191 282 6222 — Microsoft Tech Support Scam

This number has been reported multiple times as part of the infamous Microsoft tech support scam. You may be told that your computer is infected and asked to install TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or similar apps so they can “help.”

Reality: Once they gain remote access, they will lock your system and demand a ransom.

What to do: Never give control of your device to unknown people. Microsoft doesn’t cold call customers.

Summary of Red Flags to Watch Out For

Threatening language or urgency
Requests for payment via gift cards or bank transfer
Requests for OTPs or passwords
Unsolicited job or compensation offers
Calls from mobile numbers claiming to be official services

5 Quick Tips to Protect Yourself from Spam Calls

Register with the TPS (Telephone Preference Service): This helps block some marketing calls.
Use call blocking apps: Apps like Truecaller or Hiya can help identify spam.
Never share personal info over the phone: Especially unsolicited calls.
Hang up and verify: Always call official numbers from company websites.
Report spam calls: Use Action Fraud UK or Ofcom.

Conclusion

The rise of spam phone calls in the UK has become a serious threat in 2025, not just to your privacy but to your financial well-being. The numbers listed above are among the most reported spam callers this year, and it’s crucial to stay alert and informed. Always treat unknown numbers with suspicion, verify claims independently, and never share sensitive information. Staying educated is your best defense.