How to Report Spam Calls and Texts in the UK

Almost everyone in Britain has had the fake parcel text or the threatening HMRC robocall — and most people just delete them. That is understandable, but it lets the same campaigns run for months. The UK has a well-built reporting system, and every report helps networks block senders, regulators fine offenders, and police build cases. This guide explains exactly where each type of nuisance call or text should go.

Forward scam texts to 7726

This is the single most useful thing you can do with a suspicious text, and it is free on every major UK network:

1. Forward the message to 7726 — the digits spell SPAM on a phone keypad.
2. You may receive an automated reply asking for the sender's phone number. Reply with it if asked.

The 7726 service is run by the mobile industry and monitored with Ofcom's support. Reports help networks block the offending numbers and identify large campaigns, including the fake Royal Mail, DPD and bank texts that circulate constantly. Forward first, then delete the message and block the sender.

Report scam calls to 7726 as well

Fewer people know that 7726 also accepts call reports. If you receive a scam or spam call:

1. Text the word Call followed by the caller's number to 7726 — for example, Call 07700 900123.
2. Send it as a normal text; it is free.

Your network uses these reports to investigate and block the numbers behind scam calling campaigns. You do not need to have answered the call to report it — missed scam calls count too.

Report fraud to Report Fraud

If you lost money, shared personal or banking details, or were targeted by an attempted fraud, report it to Report Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre:

• Online at reportfraud.police.uk, or by phone on 0300 123 2040.
• In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland on 101.

Give as much detail as you can: the number that contacted you, what was said, what you shared or paid, and when it happened. You will receive a reference number — keep it, because your bank may ask for it during a fraud claim. Even unsuccessful attempts are worth reporting: they build the intelligence picture that leads to arrests and takedowns.

Complain about nuisance marketing to the ICO

Live telesales and marketing texts from real companies that break the rules go to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which enforces the UK's direct-marketing laws and issues fines:

• Sales calls to a number registered with the TPS (after the 28-day period).
• Marketing texts you never consented to, or that ignore your STOP request.
• Recorded sales calls made without your prior consent.

Complain online through the ICO's website with the sender's number, the date and time, and what was said. The ICO has fined firms behind millions of nuisance calls and texts, and those cases start with public complaints.

Tell your network and your bank

Two more reports that pay off directly:

• Your mobile network (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and others) can block persistent numbers, investigate premium-rate abuse, and advise on refunds if a scam text cost you money. Most have a dedicated spam or fraud page.
• Your bank's fraud team needs to know about any impersonation attempt, successful or not. Call the number on the back of your card — or dial 159 to reach many major banks' genuine lines — and describe the call. Banks flag impersonation attempts on customer profiles and use the intelligence to warn others.

Keep the evidence

Good reports need good details, so before you delete and block:

• Screenshot the text, including the sender's number and any links (do not tap them).
• Note the date, time and number of scam calls, and write down the script while it is fresh.
• Save receipts, transfer confirmations and reference numbers if money moved.
• Keep your Report Fraud reference and your bank's fraud reference together.

Make reporting a habit, not a chore

The whole routine takes under a minute per incident: forward to 7726, block the number, and escalate to Report Fraud or the ICO when money, data or persistent rule-breaking is involved. Add TPS registration to cut legitimate telesales, spam filters on your phone, and a blocking app like NoCall to flag known scam numbers before you answer.

Ofcom's research consistently shows that scam calls and texts reach a huge share of the population — yet reporting rates lag far behind. Every report you file is a small vote for enforcement: blocked numbers, fined firms and, eventually, fewer calls for everyone.