Silent calls
If the phone rang but there was no one on the other end of the line, complain to Ofcom.
Information about silent calls is important to us. Although we can’t investigate individual cases, your complaints can lead to investigations and to us taking action.
Read our guidance on abandoned and silent calls.
Abandoned calls
If you were played a recorded message saying a company had tried to call you but none of its operators were free to take the call, complain to Ofcom.
Read our guidance on abandoned and silent calls.
Scam calls
If you’ve been targeted by a scam, or know someone who has, tell Action Fraud. Action Fraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For people in Scotland
Reports of fraud and any other financial crime in Scotland should be reported to the Police on 101, or in an emergency if you feel threatened or unsafe you should dial 999.
People living in Scotland who might be at risk of, or become victim to, a scam can contact Advice Direct Scotland’s consumer service on 0808 164 6000 to report the activity and receive further advice. Advice Direct Scotland might report the scam to Trading Standards Scotland to assist with further investigation.
However, if debit cards, online banking or cheques are involved in the scam your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.
Missed call scams
If you receive a missed call on your mobile phone from a number you don't recognise, think twice before calling it back. It could be a missed call scam.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a missed call scam, contact your phone provider as soon as possible. You should also tell Action Fraud.
Scams involving premium-rate numbers
Missed call scams and other types of scam often involve the use of premium-rate phone services, which tend to cost more than a normal phone call or text message.
If you’ve fallen victim to a scam with a telephone number starting with 0871, 070 or 09, contact the Phone-paid Services Authority, which regulates premium-rate services. You should also contact them if the scam involves premium-rate text messages.
Number spoofing scams
Many phone handsets let you see the number of the person calling before you answer. This feature – known as 'caller ID' – can be exploited by nuisance callers and criminals, who change the caller ID. This is a practice known as 'spoofing'.
If you think you’ve been the victim of caller ID spoofing, tell Action Fraud.
Scam calls pretending to be from Ofcom
We’ve heard from people who say they have received phone calls or messages claiming to be from Ofcom. These are scam calls and they don’t come from us.
Read our guide on scam calls pretending to be from Ofcom.