Is this phone number a scam?
A familiar-looking number is not proof of who is calling. Here is how to stay safe.
Verify › Guides › Is this phone number a scam? · Last updated 18/10/2026
Numbers can be faked
Scammers can make a call or text appear to come from any number, including your bank, the police or a number you already have saved. This is called spoofing. A trusted-looking number on its own is never proof that the caller is genuine.
Warning signs of a scam call or text
- An unexpected contact about your bank, HMRC, a parcel or a prize.
- Pressure to act straight away or keep the call secret.
- A request for your full PIN or password, or for a one-time passcode sent to your phone.
- Being asked to move money to a “safe account”. Your bank will never ask you to do this.
- A link in a text asking you to log in or pay a small fee.
How to call back safely
- Hang up, or do not reply to the text.
- Wait a few minutes, and use a different phone if you can, so you know the line is clear.
- Ring the organisation on the number printed on your card, statement or official website. For many UK banks, you can dial 159.
What the number can tell you
UK mobile numbers usually start with 07. Numbers starting 01, 02 and 03 are landline and national numbers, 080 numbers are freephone, and numbers starting 09 are premium-rate and can be expensive to call. A mismatch between who the caller says they are and the kind of number can be a clue, but it is never proof either way.
Check a number with Verify
Open Verify, choose Phone number and enter the number you were given. You get a traffic light and a plain-English reason, and you can vote to help other people. Verify gives guidance only and cannot guarantee a number is safe.
Report it
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (free).
- Report fraud to the Report Fraud service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or call Police Scotland on 101.
- If you shared bank details or made a payment, call your bank immediately.
Check a QR code, link or phone number
Common questions
Can scammers fake a phone number?
Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed so a call or text appears to come from a number you know. Hang up and call back using a number you have checked yourself.
Will my bank ever ask me to move money to a safe account?
No. A genuine bank will never ask you to move money to keep it safe. If someone does, it is a scam.
What should I do with a text from an unknown number?
Do not click links or reply. Forward it to 7726 and delete it, and contact the organisation using details you have found yourself.
More guides
Verify gives guidance only and cannot guarantee that any link, code or number is safe. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and check another way.