In 2025, the United Kingdom continues to face a growing wave of phone-based scams and nuisance calls. Despite technological advancements and regulations designed to combat spam callers, the problem persists, with thousands of individuals reporting fraudulent, harassing, or misleading calls every day.
The issue ranges from fake insurance claims to aggressive sales tactics, often using spoofed local numbers to gain the trust of victims. In this report, we break down some of the most frequently reported spam phone numbers in the UK for 2025, based on user complaints, online reports, and telecom watchdog data.
Top Reported Spam Numbers in the UK – 2025
Below is a table summarizing the most reported spam numbers so far this year. Each entry includes the suspected nature of the spam, common complaint types, and advice for recipients.
| Phone Number | Type of Scam/Nuisance | Common Complaints | Advice |
| 01743 839873 | HMRC / Tax Scam | Fake tax payments, threats of arrest | Do not share personal info |
| 0161 660 1030 | Insurance / Accident Claims | “You’ve been in an accident…” | Block number, report to ICO |
| 01289 222041 | Silent / Dropped Calls | No answer on pickup, calls drop after seconds | Ignore and block |
| 01952 446550 | Energy Sales | Unsolicited utility switching offers | Say no, report for cold calling |
| 01205 386545 | Debt Collection Scam | Fake debt demands with threats | Confirm via official agencies |
| 01389 493417 | Broadband Provider Scam | Claims to be BT/Openreach – requests access | Hang up, contact provider directly |
| 07418 374545 | Mobile Spoofing Scam | Random calls from mobile range, often silent | Avoid answering, report as spam |
| 01700 663675 | Pension Scam | Pension investment offers or checks | Report to FCA |
| 01782 580403 | Missed Call Scam | Rings once, hangs up – baiting return call | Don’t call back unknown numbers |
| 0161 850 4320 | Crypto Investment Scam | Promises of high returns from crypto investments | Total fraud – avoid entirely |
Detailed Analysis of Each Number
1. 01743 839873 – HMRC / Tax Scam
This number has been widely reported for impersonating HMRC officials. Victims describe receiving automated voice messages warning them of “serious legal consequences” due to unpaid taxes. Some callers even threaten arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made.
What You Should Do:
- Do not press any buttons or speak to the agent.
- HMRC never calls unprompted to demand payment.
- Report the number to Action Fraud UK.
2. 0161 660 1030 – Fake Insurance/Accident Claims
This Manchester-based number has been linked to persistent nuisance calls claiming the recipient was involved in a road traffic accident. Even individuals who have not been in accidents receive these calls, pointing to random number generation by spammers.
Common Traits:
- Robocall or live agent.
- Requests personal injury information.
- May attempt to pressure you into making a false claim.
Advice: Block the number immediately. Legitimate insurance providers do not operate in this way.
3. 01289 222041 – Silent or Dropped Calls
Users report this Berwick-upon-Tweed number often calls, then either goes silent or drops the call within seconds. These types of calls are often part of “ping” operations used by auto-dialers to identify active numbers.
Dangers:
- Can lead to your number being sold to scammers.
- Increases risk of future spam.
Recommendation: Never return missed calls from unfamiliar numbers. Use call-blocking apps or report to Ofcom.
4. 01952 446550 – Energy Provider Cold Calls
Originating from Telford, this number is associated with aggressive energy sales. Callers typically pose as representatives from energy comparison sites or providers offering “limited time” tariff reductions.
Red Flags:
- Asks for energy bill details.
- Pushes hard for a switch without documentation.
Tip: OFGEM requires energy switching companies to be transparent. If the call feels pressured or shady, hang up and verify independently.
Check Recent Spamming Numbers:
1258588702 : : 1544329845: : 3330038533: : 2030070316: : 2030340147
5. 01205 386545 – Fake Debt Collection
Callers from this Boston-based number claim to be from various debt collection agencies. They often reference fictitious accounts or outdated information, attempting to scare individuals into payment.
Known Tactics:
- Use of official-sounding language.
- Threats of court action or bailiffs.
What to Do:
- Never agree to payments over the phone.
- Confirm the debt through official credit reports or contact the agency directly.
6. 01389 493417 – Broadband Provider Impersonation
Claiming to be from BT or Openreach, callers from this number have been trying to gain remote access to users’ computers under the guise of fixing internet issues.
This is a classic tech support scam.
Scam Pattern:
- Claims your broadband has been hacked or is unstable.
- Offers to “resolve the issue” via remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
Never allow remote access unless you have verified the identity of the caller through official channels.
7. 07418 374545 – Mobile Range Spoofing
This mobile number is part of a range frequently used for “spoofing,” where scammers disguise their real number using a local-looking mobile code. These are often silent calls or vague, suspicious inquiries.
Suspicious Features:
- Generic introductions (“Hi, is this the homeowner?”).
- Number often changes slightly with each call.
Advice: If a mobile number seems off and you’re not expecting a call, let it go to voicemail. Use spam call detection apps for alerts.
8. 01700 663675 – Pension Scam
Scammers using this Rothesay number target pensioners with offers of early access to pension funds or high-yield investment schemes. This is a particularly dangerous scam as it can lead to loss of lifetime savings.
Pension Scam Indicators:
- Unsolicited pension advice.
- Urgency to act quickly.
- Talk of offshore investment schemes.
Reminder: Never share pension details over the phone. Always check the FCA register to ensure legitimacy.
9. 01782 580403 – One-Ring Scam (Missed Call Fraud)
This number from Stoke-on-Trent is reported for using the “one-ring scam” technique. It rings once then disconnects, tempting the recipient to call back. Upon calling, users are often routed to premium-rate lines overseas.
Danger:
- You may incur charges of £3–£5 per minute.
- May play hold music or mimic a business line.
Tip: Do not call back unfamiliar numbers unless verified via a known source.
10. 0161 850 4320 – Cryptocurrency Scam
Scammers using this Manchester number pose as financial advisors or crypto brokers, promising guaranteed returns on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Typical Call Content:
- “We’re working with top-tier platforms.”
- “Guaranteed 20–30% monthly ROI.”
- “Just a small deposit to start.”
Warning: No investment can guarantee profits. These operations are often unregulated and completely fraudulent.
Report all crypto-related scams to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) immediately.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS): This reduces the number of marketing calls you receive.
- Use a Call Blocking App: Apps like Hiya, TrueCaller, or your mobile provider’s built-in spam protection can help.
- Never Share Sensitive Info: Legitimate agencies will never request bank details, passwords, or PINs over the phone.
- Hang Up Immediately: If something feels off, don’t hesitate—just hang up.
- Report the Call: You can report spam calls to Ofcom, Action Fraud, and the ICO.
Final Thoughts
Spam and scam phone calls in the UK are not just a nuisance—they’re a real threat to personal data, financial security, and peace of mind. As scammers become more sophisticated, the only effective defense is awareness. Knowing which numbers to look out for, understanding the tactics used, and acting swiftly can prevent significant harm.
Stay vigilant, share this information with family and friends—especially the elderly who are most often targeted—and don’t fall victim to the growing menace of phone scams in 2025.
