Spam calls have become a persistent nuisance across the United Kingdom, with more and more people reporting suspicious numbers that often disrupt daily life or even attempt fraud. In 2025, spam calls range from silent calls and insurance scams to fake energy providers and HMRC impersonators. Below is a detailed look into the most reported spam phone numbers in the UK, along with descriptions, patterns, and warnings.
Summary of Top Reported Spam Numbers (2025)
| Phone Number | Type of Spam | Common Tactic | Danger Level |
| 01792 722635 | Energy Switch Scam | Claims to save on bills | High |
| 01223 609721 | Insurance Fraud | PPI or car accident scams | High |
| 01615 274971 | Fake Bank Call | Pretends to be your bank | High |
| 01702 660930 | HMRC Scam | Threatening tax calls | High |
| 0330 124 8035 | Silent Call / Phishing | Robocalls or quiet on answer | Medium |
| 01423 645008 | Broadband Scam | BT/Openreach impersonation | High |
| 07441 107428 | WhatsApp Message Scam | Links to malicious sites | Very High |
| 01615 316278 | Council Tax Refund Fraud | Fake refund scheme | High |
| 01234 237085 | Pension Scam | Offers to unlock pensions early | Very High |
| 0333 242 1450 | Energy Tariff Scam | Pushy cold call about switching | Medium |
Detailed Analysis of Each Spam Number
01792 722635 – Energy Switch Scam
This Swansea-based number has been widely reported for pretending to be affiliated with official energy regulators or companies like British Gas or EDF. The caller often pressures recipients to switch their energy supplier, promising significant discounts.
- Tactic: Uses urgency or time-limited offers.
- Warning: Never give personal or billing information over such calls.
- Advice: Contact your supplier directly through their verified number if in doubt.
01223 609721 – Insurance / PPI Scam
Reported across Cambridge and surrounding areas, this number usually opens the call with “We’ve noticed you’ve been in a recent accident…” — a classic car insurance or PPI scam.
- Tactic: Pretends to help with compensation claims.
- Warning: Many victims are tricked into revealing accident details or bank info.
- Advice: Hang up immediately if you’re not expecting a call about insurance or PPI.
01615 274971 – Fake Bank / Fraud Department
A Manchester-based number frequently impersonating major UK banks such as Barclays or NatWest. The caller warns of suspicious activity on your account and pushes for security verification.
- Tactic: Pretends to be a bank fraud agent asking to transfer your money.
- Warning: Banks never ask you to move funds to “safe accounts.”
- Advice: Hang up and call your bank using the official number on the back of your card.
Check Recent Spamming Numbers:
01634535585 : : 040855989821 : : 01618200299 : : 07441902976 : : 01162018000
01702 660930 – HMRC Scam Caller
Originating from Southend-on-Sea, this number poses as an HMRC official. It often uses robotic messages claiming unpaid tax, threats of legal action, or even arrest if you don’t respond.
- Tactic: Uses fear to push victims into paying false taxes.
- Warning: HMRC never threatens arrest over the phone.
- Advice: Report it to Action Fraud UK and never give any payment info.
0330 124 8035 – Silent Call / Phishing Bot
This number is frequently silent when answered or sometimes has a delayed robotic voice prompting action such as “Press 1 for more information.” These tactics aim to verify active numbers for further scam attempts.
- Tactic: Silent calls to verify your line is live.
- Warning: Responding may trigger follow-up scam calls.
- Advice: Block the number and report it to Ofcom.
01423 645008 – Fake Broadband / BT Scam
Harrogate-based, this number has been linked to BT or Openreach impersonators claiming your internet is about to be disconnected.
- Tactic: Technical jargon to confuse or panic.
- Warning: Real broadband providers don’t threaten to cut off without prior notice.
- Advice: Don’t let unknown callers control your PC or router.
07441 107428 – WhatsApp and Text Scam
A mobile number involved in sending malicious links via text or WhatsApp messages. Often disguised as “missed delivery” notices or “payment confirmation” requests.
- Tactic: Sends shortened links or attachments.
- Warning: Clicking links could install malware.
- Advice: Never click on unknown links in SMS or WhatsApp.
01615 316278 – Council Tax Refund Fraud
Also from Manchester, this scam involves fake offers for council tax refunds or rebates. Scammers request bank account details under the pretense of sending money back.
- Tactic: Uses terms like “urgent council rebate.”
- Warning: Local councils won’t call asking for full bank details.
- Advice: Verify council refund offers by checking with your local authority.
01234 237085 – Pension Unlocking Scam
This Bedford number has been reported for contacting people nearing retirement and offering to unlock their pension early — often in violation of financial laws.
- Tactic: Promises tax-free pension withdrawals.
- Warning: Can result in huge tax penalties or financial loss.
- Advice: Always consult a regulated financial adviser before making pension decisions.
0333 242 1450 – Energy Tariff Scam
Another 0333 number pushing energy switching deals. The caller may appear knowledgeable, sometimes even quoting correct address details.
- Tactic: Offers “exclusive” energy tariff deals.
- Warning: Your info may have been scraped from leaked databases.
- Advice: Don’t switch over the phone — use official supplier websites.
Why Spam Calls Are Rising in 2025
Spam calls in the UK have surged this year due to a combination of data breaches, AI-based robocalling, and lack of strict regulation for international call centres. Many fraudsters use VoIP technology to spoof UK landline or mobile numbers, making it harder for users to detect the scam.
How To Protect Yourself from Spam Calls
- ✅ Register with TPS: The Telephone Preference Service can help reduce telemarketing.
- ✅ Use Call-Blocking Apps: Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and your phone’s native blocklist help.
- ✅ Never Share Personal Info: Legitimate organisations will never ask for full details over a cold call.
- ✅ Hang Up and Verify: Always check the legitimacy of the caller via an official website or number.
- ✅ Report to Action Fraud UK: Helps authorities track patterns and shut down operations.
Conclusion
The ten spam numbers listed above are among the most frequently reported across the UK in 2025. These scams are often sophisticated, exploiting urgency, fear, or technical confusion. Whether pretending to be a government agency, broadband provider, or even your own bank, their end goal is the same — to steal your information or money.
Staying informed, cautious, and proactive is the best defense against these daily threats. Block, report, and educate those around you.
Quick Bullet Points
- ⚠️ 01792 722635: Energy switch scam – avoid giving billing info.
- ⚠️ 01223 609721: PPI or accident compensation scam.
- ⚠️ 01615 274971: Fake bank caller – never transfer funds.
- ⚠️ 01702 660930: HMRC scam using robotic threats.
- ⚠️ 07441 107428: WhatsApp scam with dangerous links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I block spam calls in the UK?
You can block spam calls by using apps like Truecaller, enabling your smartphone’s call-blocking features, and registering your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
What should I do if I accidentally gave information to a scammer?
Immediately contact your bank or financial institution, report the incident to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk), and consider placing fraud alerts on your accounts.
Are 0330 and 0333 numbers always spam?
Not always — many businesses use these. However, if the call is unsolicited and asks for sensitive information or payment, proceed with extreme caution.
