Educational Guide
How to Stop Spam Calls
The UK receives billions of nuisance calls every year. Learn how to identify, block, and report spam callers.
Spam vs Legitimate Calls
Signs of Spam/Scam Calls
- Caller ID shows 'Unknown' or 'Withheld'
- Pressure to act immediately or urgently
- Requests for personal or financial information
- Claims you've won a prize you didn't enter
- Threatens legal action or arrest
- Asks for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Poor quality audio or long pauses before speaking
- Caller doesn't know your name
Signs of Legitimate Calls
- Caller identifies themselves and their organization
- Can be verified through official channels
- Doesn't pressure for immediate payment
- Happy for you to call back on official number
- Doesn't ask for full passwords or PINs
- Professional audio quality
- Reference numbers or account details they should know
How to Reduce Spam Calls
Use Call Blocking
Enable call blocking features on your phone or through your network provider
Don't Answer Unknown Numbers
Let unknown callers leave a voicemail
Report Suspicious Numbers
Help others by reporting spam numbers to community databases
Verify Callers
If unsure, hang up and call the organization back using an official number
Verify Your Own Number
Get a Verified Badge so others know your calls are legitimate