Scam calls and messages

Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be a target But there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. This page covers what to do in the moment, how to set up longer-term protections, and how to help others stay safe.

Not all unwanted calls, texts and emails are scams. Nuisance marketing calls, spam texts and unsolicited emails are a different — but still serious — problem. This guide explains what to do.

Scams can take many different forms, but they all share the same aim: to trick you into handing over money or personal information. Understanding what each type looks like is the first step to protecting yourself.

If you think you’ve received a scam call, text or message, the most important thing is not to engage with it. Don’t reply, click any links, press any buttons or share personal or financial details.

Ofcom works with phone companies, the Government and other agencies to block scams and take action against those responsible. This page helps you recognise scams, protect yourself and report them.

Mobile phone users will be better protected from scam text messages, under new Ofcom rules and guidance finalised today.

We are proposing changes to our CLI Guidance, on how providers should process calls from abroad that appear to present a UK mobile number, to protect people and businesses from spoofing.

We are proposing new rules on how mobile providers must stop scammers from sending mobile messages.

The Do Not Originate list is used to record telephone numbers that are reserved for inbound calls. It's an effective way of combating the rise of spoofed calls.

Mobile phone users are set to be better protected from messaging scams, under new rules proposed by Ofcom for mobile providers to follow.