How to report a scam call in the UK (2026)
Action Fraud, 7726, your bank, the regulator — who to tell, in what order, and what they actually do with the report.
By Andrew PickettOn this page
If you've received a scam call — answered or not — reporting it actually helps. Networks and law enforcement aggregate reports to add numbers to network-level blocklists. Here's the order to do it in for maximum impact, in 2026.
1. If you gave any details — call your bank on 159
If you gave any account details — even a name or date of birth — call 159 (free, every UK landline and mobile). 159 connects you to your bank's fraud team without going through any caller-controlled menu, so you can be sure you're really talking to your bank and not the same scammer.
2. Forward suspicious texts to 7726
If the contact came as a text first (a parcel re-delivery 'fee', an HMRC 'refund', a fake bank alert), forward it to 7726 — free on every UK network. Networks share the data with the National Cyber Security Centre, which aggregates it and pushes new patterns to network-level filters.
3. Report to Action Fraud
actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040. The official UK reporting body for fraud — run by the City of London Police on behalf of all UK police forces. Cases above a threshold are passed to local police; trends are aggregated and published as scam alerts.
4. Report to Ofcom
If the issue is silent calls, automated calls, or repeated cold calls despite TPS registration, report on ofcom.org.uk/complaints. Ofcom can fine the originator — they did exactly that to several silent-call campaigns in 2024 and 2025.
5. Tell us — look the number up here
Looking up the number on WhoCalledLookup creates an AI internet check entry that other visitors will see. We're working on a public number-report submission form for 2026 H2; meanwhile, the lookup itself is the most useful thing you can do for the next person who's about to receive the same call.
What actually happens after you report
Suspicious texts forwarded to 7726 are aggregated and shared with the National Cyber Security Centre. The data is used to update network spam filters and to identify large-scale fraud campaigns for law-enforcement action.
| Where you report | What they do | Realistic timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 159 (your bank) | Locks the account, claws back transfers if possible, raises an APP-fraud claim. | Same day |
| 7726 | Network adds CLI to spam database, may block at network level. | Hours to days |
| Action Fraud | Aggregates with similar reports, publishes alerts, passes to local police if above threshold. | Weeks for an update; months for an investigation |
| Ofcom (silent / cold) | Investigates the originating company; can issue fines up to £2m. | Weeks to months |
| WhoCalledLookup AI check | Surfaces in the next visitor's lookup result for that number. | Immediately, on next lookup |
Bottom line
Reporting feels pointless when nothing visibly happens. It isn't. The 7726 service alone has driven hundreds of thousands of network-level blocks since launch. Take 90 seconds to forward the text or fill the Action Fraud form — it's the single best community defence the UK has.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do I report a UK scam number?
Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) for fraud reports. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free). Complain to Ofcom (ofcom.org.uk/complaints) for silent calls or repeated cold calls. If you gave any account details, dial 159 to reach your bank's fraud team safely.
Does Action Fraud actually do anything?
It aggregates reports nationally, publishes scam alerts, and passes cases above an evidence threshold to local police. It will rarely recover individual losses, but the aggregate data is what drives network blocklists and prosecutions.
What is the 7726 service?
7726 (which spells 'SPAM' on a keypad) is a free UK number you can forward suspicious texts to. The networks share the data with the National Cyber Security Centre and use it to update spam filters across the industry.
What is 159 and when should I use it?
159 is a free UK number that connects you straight to your bank's fraud team, bypassing any caller-controlled menu. Use it the moment you suspect you've talked to a bank scammer — the faster you call, the more likely transfers can be reversed.
Sources & references
- Action Fraud — UK fraud reportingCity of London Policewww.actionfraud.police.uk
- Forwarding suspicious texts to 7726National Cyber Security Centrewww.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-call
- 159 — the Stop Scams UK serviceStop Scams UKstopscamsuk.org.uk/159
- Complaining to Ofcom about silent and nuisance callsOfcomwww.ofcom.org.uk/complaints
- Report a phishing or scam callgov.ukwww.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
Continue reading
- UK scam call patternsThe eight most common UK call-scams in 2026, with red flags, real examples, and the right response for each. Includes Action Fraud and 159 reporting routes.
- Block UK spam callsNetwork blocklists, iOS / Android settings, third-party apps and the TPS register — what actually works to stop UK spam calls in 2026.
- Is this number a scam?Is this UK number a scam? Use four free signals — Ofcom range data, AI internet check, spoofed-CLI red flags, conversation tells — to decide in 60 seconds.
- Who called me? UK guideIdentify any unknown UK caller in seconds. Free Ofcom range-holder lookup plus a live AI internet check — no signup, no premium tier. Works for 01, 02, 03, 07 and 08 numbers.
- UK service numbersConfused about 999, 101, 111 and 105? Here's a plain-English guide to the UK's three-digit service numbers — what each is for, when to use them, what they cost, and the other short numbers worth knowing.
- 159 (bank fraud callback)159 explained — the free UK Stop Scams service that connects you straight to your bank's fraud team without going through any caller-controlled menu.
- Bank scam callsBank scam calls UK — the four 2026 bank-impersonation scripts (safe account, OTP, fraud verification, card-cancellation), why 159 is the single best defence.
- Block a number on a UK home phoneBlock a specific number on a UK landline: BT Call Protect, Sky Talk Shield, Virgin, TalkTalk CallSafe, EE Call Protect, call-blocker handsets and 1572 for anonymous calls.
Related guides
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