One-ring calls, fake delivery texts, bank impersonation messages, and urgent account alerts are some of the most common examples. The method is usually the same: create urgency, grab your attention quickly, and push you to call back, open a link, or share details before you pause to check.
A genuine HMRC contact does not rely on threats of arrest, demands for gift cards, or instructions to stay on the line while moving money. If someone claims to be from HMRC and pressures you to act immediately, hang up and verify the matter through the official HMRC website or contact details.
Do not confirm personal information, passwords, one-time codes, or payment details. End the call, search the number here, and contact the organisation using an official number you found yourself if there is any chance the enquiry could be genuine.
Numbers beginning with 01 and 02 are geographic, 03 is often used by organisations, 07 is usually mobile, 080 is freephone, and 09 ranges are premium-rate. That can give you useful context, but it still does not prove that a caller is genuine or safe.
Looking for more answers? Visit our full FAQ for practical guidance on suspicious calls, unknown numbers, caller reports, area codes, and how to use WhoCalled.org.uk.
After my answerphone message, there was a couple of seconds of silence, then they hung up
Said they're from ee and sending a new SIM card, tried to change my account password.
Asking for whatsapp
Foreign sounding voice was asking if it was warm enough ????
Scam, claimed to be from an expenses debit card company and then asked me to download some software from them onto my PC.
scam
Purported from 02 and that the SIM card is about to expire and they need to replace it
Recorded message telling you to press one to get through to the investigating officer before they take legal action against you, or your NI...
SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, Ianswered and they just dont talk at the other end, blocked!
Silent call, so probably a scam number
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