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What to do with a suspicious phone call

Hang up, pause and contact the organisation using details you found independently.

Published 27 July 2026 Reviewed 27 July 2026 1 minute read

Originally published in 2025. Substantially updated and republished in August 2026.

Reviewed by the CyberSafeHome editorial team. Important guidance links to official or authoritative sources where available.

You are allowed to end a call. A genuine organisation will understand that you want to verify unexpected contact.

During the call

  • Do not disclose a password, PIN, one-time code or full bank details.
  • Do not install software or allow screen sharing.
  • Do not move money to another account.
  • Do not trust the displayed number as proof.

Check the caller

  1. Hang up.
  2. Pause before making another call.
  3. Find the organisation’s number on its official website, app, statement or card.
  4. Tell the organisation what happened.

Report the number

If you believe a mobile call was a scam, send the number to 7726 free of charge. Your provider can investigate it. Report fraud or financial loss through the official route for your part of the UK.

Source

Ofcom: what to do about a scam call, text or message