Many have noticed they are receiving more suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls. Some are just unwanted marketing messages, but others are scams trying to trick you into giving away personal details or money.
It’s important to stay alert and to report these messages so they can be investigated and stopped. Here’s how you can safely report spam and scam communications in the UK.
Reporting Scam or Nuisance Phone Calls
If you receive an unexpected phone call:
- Never share personal or banking details with someone you don’t know.
- Text “Call” followed by the scam caller’s number to 7726. This is a free service that helps identify and block future scams.
- You can report scam or fraudulent calls to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime centre:
Visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. - To reduce unwanted marketing calls, register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) at www.tpsonline.org.uk. This is free and helps block many nuisance callers.
If someone claims to be from your bank, HMRC, the NHS or another official organisation, hang up straight away. Then call the organisation back using a trusted number from their official website never the number given by the caller.
Reporting Spam or Scam Text Messages
If you get a suspicious text message:
- Don’t reply, even if the message says “text STOP”.
- Forward it to: 7726 (that spells “SPAM” on your keypad).
This is a free service used by all UK mobile networks to help block scam numbers. - Once reported, you can delete the message.
Reporting Suspicious or Scam Emails
If you receive an email that doesn’t look right:
- Don’t click on any links or open attachments.
- Forward the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk
This is the official service run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). They investigate and remove fake or dangerous websites. - Delete the email once you’ve sent it on.
Most email providers (such as Outlook, Gmail and Yahoo) also have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as spam” button it’s helpful to use that too.
Staying Safe Online
- Keep your computer, phone and apps up to date.
- Use strong, unique passwords a password manager can help.
- Be cautious with messages that seem too good to be true or that create a sense of urgency.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve lost money or given away sensitive information:
- Contact your bank immediately, they may be able to stop or recover the payment.
- Report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible.
Summary of who to contact
| Type of Message | How to Report |
| Suspicious email | Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk |
| Suspicious text message | Forward to 7726 |
| Scam phone call | Text “Call” + scam caller’s number to 7726
or Report to Action Fraud |
| Unwanted marketing calls | Register with Telephone Preference Service |