Scam Calls in the UK — How to Spot Them

Scam calls in the UK have evolved well beyond the obvious "Microsoft technical support" cliché. Modern scammers spoof real bank, courier and government numbers, use AI-generated voices, and combine calls with follow-up texts to trick targets into authorising payments. GhostCallers users report thousands of scam calls each month — this page explains the patterns we see most often.

Common signs

• Pressure to act immediately ("your account will be closed in the next hour").
• Requests for one-time passcodes, PINs, or full card numbers.
• Threats of arrest, deportation or fines if you do not comply.
• Asking you to move money to a "safe account" or buy gift-card vouchers.
• Refusal to put anything in writing or let you call them back on a verified number.

Typical scripts

• "Automated voice: "Press 1 to speak to a fraud officer about a suspicious payment on your account.""
• "Caller claiming to be from Action Fraud confirming your identity by asking for security details."
• "Spoofed local number that hangs up the moment you answer (number-harvesting)."

What to do

• Hang up. Do not press any keys or speak to a "supervisor".
• Wait 5 minutes, then call the organisation back on a number from their official website or your bank card.
• Report scam calls to 7726 (text SPAM) free of charge.
• Search the number on GhostCallers and add your own report so others are warned.

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