Few things are more irritating than a call from an unknown number in the middle of dinner, or a text about a parcel you never ordered. Nuisance calls and texts are a daily problem for many people in the UK. You cannot always stop them completely, but there are practical steps that can reduce them and keep you safer. This guide explains what works, what does not, and how to report the worst offenders.
Understand the difference between spam and scams
Spam calls are usually unwanted marketing, such as offers about insurance, energy or accident claims. Scam calls and texts are attempts to trick you into handing over money or personal information. Marketing calls are annoying; scams can be costly. Treat any unexpected request for money, passwords or codes as suspicious, whoever it claims to come from.
Register with the Telephone Preference Service
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free official register that lets you opt out of live sales and marketing calls. Registration is free and you can do it on the TPS website or by phone. It is worth knowing that TPS only covers legitimate companies that follow the rules. Scammers and rogue operators ignore it, so it reduces calls rather than eliminating them. It can take around a month to take full effect, according to guidance usually published by the service.
Use the tools built into your phone and provider
Block and silence unknown callers
Both iPhone and Android offer a way to silence calls from numbers not in your contacts. On iPhone, look for the Silence Unknown Callers option in the Phone settings. On many Android phones, the Phone app has a caller ID and spam protection setting. The downside is that genuine calls from new numbers, such as a delivery driver or a doctor's surgery, may go to voicemail, so check your voicemail regularly.
Check what your mobile network offers
Most UK networks provide free or built-in tools to flag or block suspected spam calls and texts. Check your provider's website or app, as the options and names change. For landlines, some providers and call-blocking devices let you create a block list or allow only approved numbers.
Report spam texts to 7726
If you receive a suspicious text, you can forward it free of charge to 7726, which spells SPAM on the keypad. Your network can then investigate the sender and, where appropriate, block it. After forwarding the message, delete it. For suspicious emails, forward them to the National Cyber Security Centre's reporting address, which is published on its website. Reporting takes seconds and helps protect others.
Our guides on spotting phishing emails and scam texts and spotting a fake website before you buy will help you recognise the signs of common tricks.
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What to do if you answered or clicked
Do not panic. If you only answered the call, there is generally no harm, but avoid pressing buttons or saying anything beyond hanging up. If you shared personal details, passwords or bank information, contact your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card, and change affected passwords. Setting up two-factor authentication on your important accounts adds a valuable extra layer of protection. If you think you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud or the equivalent service in your part of the UK.
Golden rules to remember
Never give out one-time passcodes to anyone who contacts you. Banks will not ask you to move money to a "safe account". Hang up and call back on a number you trust, ideally from a different phone or after waiting a few minutes. Do not call back unknown numbers, especially those beginning with unfamiliar prefixes, as some can be expensive.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get so many spam calls?
Your number may have been shared, guessed by automated dialling or included in a data breach. Spam callers often dial large ranges of numbers at random.
Can I block a number completely?
You can block individual numbers on your phone, but scammers often change numbers or spoof them, so blocking is only partly effective.
Is it safe to reply STOP to a spam text?
Replying to messages from unknown senders can confirm that your number is active. For suspicious texts, it is usually better to report to 7726 and delete.
Does changing my number help?
It can, but it is a last resort. Try the TPS, blocking tools and reporting first.
Final thoughts
You may never get rid of every spam call, but combining the TPS, your phone's blocking tools, reporting to 7726 and a healthy dose of caution will make a real difference. When in doubt, hang up and verify through an official channel.
