Common UK scam-call patterns (2026)

UK call scams have evolved fast since 2024. Here are the eight patterns we currently see most often, with the verbal cues that give them away and the right way to respond. If a call ticks any of these boxes, hang up — politely, but immediately.

#1. Bank fraud impersonation

Script: 'We've spotted a suspicious transaction on your account.' The caller asks you to either (a) move your money to a 'safe account', or (b) read out a one-time security code that has just been texted to you. Both are scams. No real UK bank will ever ask either.

#2. HMRC arrest threats

Script: 'There is a warrant out for your arrest for unpaid tax. Press 1 to speak to an officer.' HMRC never threatens arrest by phone, never demands payment in vouchers, and never asks you to confirm your National Insurance number to 'release' a refund. Report on gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing.

#3. Royal Mail / Evri / DHL parcel re-delivery

Often a text first ('your parcel is held — pay £1.45 to release'), then a follow-up call. Genuine couriers do not collect re-delivery fees by phone — they leave a card or send an in-app prompt in their official app.

#4. Amazon account 'lock'

Automated call: 'A £999 order has been placed on your Amazon account. Press 1 to dispute it.' Press 1 and you're connected to a scammer who will ask for remote access to your computer to 'reverse the charge'. Amazon never calls customers like this.

#5. PPI follow-ups

PPI claims closed in 2019. Any unsolicited call about PPI in 2026 is a scam — usually a precursor to a fee-up-front 'claim management' fraud.

#6. Tech-support scams

'We've detected a virus on your computer.' Microsoft, Apple, BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin do not call customers like this. The script always ends with you installing AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer or 'Microsoft Support Tool' so the scammer can take control of your screen and your bank app.

#7. Energy company refunds

'You're owed £128 in energy refunds — confirm your account number and sort code.' These calls phish for bank details under the guise of paying a refund. Real refunds are credited to the account on file or refunded to the card you originally paid with.

#8. Council tax band scams

Cold calls offering to reduce your council tax band for an upfront fee. Council tax band reviews are free and handled by your local authority and the Valuation Office Agency. Anyone charging you for a 'reassessment' is a fraud.

#Universal red flags — if any of these appear, hang up

• Urgency: 'You must act now or your account will be closed in the next 30 minutes.'
• Authority + secrecy: 'This call is being recorded for security. Do not discuss this with anyone.'
• One-time codes: any genuine code is for *you* to type into *your* app — never to read aloud.
• Remote access: any request to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or 'a small support tool'.
• Move money to a 'safe account': no UK bank ever asks this.
• Buy vouchers: HMRC, the police, BT and your bank do not accept Steam, Amazon or iTunes vouchers.
• Withholding caller ID combined with any of the above.

#What to do after a scam call

1. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free).
2. Report to Action Fraud — online or 0300 123 2040.
3. If you gave bank details, dial 159 immediately.
4. If you gave login credentials, change them on a different device and enable 2FA.
5. Look the number up on this site so other people see your AI internet check.