In 2025, the UK has seen a continued rise in spam and scam phone calls, affecting millions of individuals and businesses. From fake HMRC calls to tech support scams and “you’ve won a prize” tricks, scammers are evolving their tactics while keeping one constant—their reliance on unsuspecting recipients answering unknown numbers.
This article takes a closer look at the top reported spam phone numbers in the UK in 2025. We’ve compiled public complaints, user-reported experiences, and call pattern data to highlight which numbers are causing the most issues this year.
Summary Table: Most Reported Spam Numbers in the UK (2025)
| Phone Number | Reported Spam Type | Common Tactic | Risk Level | Area Code |
| 01245904122 | HMRC Tax Scam | Threatening Legal Action | High | Chelmsford |
| 01653 604433 | Energy Rebate Scam | Impersonation | Medium | Malton |
| 442033750292 | International Scam | Crypto Investment Fraud | High | London (Intl) |
| 01792722794 | Bank Impersonation | “Unusual Activity” Scam | High | Swansea |
| 02037631733 | Tech Support Scam | Microsoft/Fake Virus Alert | High | London |
| 01513293649 | Compensation Claim Scam | Accident Claims | Medium | Liverpool |
| 02039597675 | Fake Charity Call | Emotional Appeal | Medium | London |
| 01977788417 | Courier/Delivery Scam | “Missed Package” Trick | High | Pontefract |
| 01274041023 | Broadband Scam | BT/Virgin Media Imitation | High | Bradford |
| 01618201220 | Loan Offer Scam | Fake Loan Approval | Medium | Manchester |
01245904122 – HMRC Tax Scam (Chelmsford)
One of the most notorious numbers of 2025, 01245904122 is heavily associated with fraudulent calls claiming to be from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). Callers typically use intimidating language, falsely stating that the recipient owes back taxes and will face arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made.
Common Red Flags:
- Robotic voice messages
- Threats of police involvement
- Demands for payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency
Numerous victims have reported panic and stress after receiving such calls. Authorities continually warn that HMRC will never contact individuals in this way.
01653 604433 – Energy Rebate Scam (Malton)
This number, 01653 604433, has been flagged repeatedly for posing as a utility or government energy assistance line. Victims are told they are eligible for a government rebate on energy bills due to high prices or a new policy.
Tactics Include:
- Asking for bank details to “deposit” a rebate
- Claiming to represent Ofgem or local councils
- Requests for personal identity verification
While some scams appear mild, these are phishing attempts that can lead to identity theft or unauthorized debits.
442033750292 – International Scam Call (London Number, Often Spoofed Abroad)
This suspicious London-based international number is notorious for investment and cryptocurrency scams. Callers promise guaranteed returns on crypto investments, claiming affiliations with platforms like Binance or government startup funds.
Check Recent Spamming Numbers:
: : 02045792608: : 2080582684: : 3316307343: :
Noteworthy Signs:
- Strong foreign accents with British names
- Pressure to install apps or log into “trading platforms”
- Initial “free consultation” before asking for deposits
This scam exploits both the growing interest in crypto and the lack of regulation knowledge among consumers. Several fraud reports have connected this number to fake trading sites.
01792722794 – Bank Impersonation Scam (Swansea)
One of the most dangerous numbers on this list, 01792722794, has been linked to fake bank security calls. Fraudsters pretend to be from major banks like Barclays, HSBC, or NatWest and say that your account has been compromised.
Scare Tactics Include:
- Urging you to move your funds to a “safe account”
- Reading out fake account activity
- Sending SMS follow-ups that mimic real bank messages
These scams have defrauded individuals of thousands of pounds. If in doubt, hang up and call your bank’s official number.
02037631733 – Tech Support Scam (London)
02037631733 is a classic “tech support” scam line. Callers pretend to be from Microsoft or Apple, warning you of a virus or hacking incident on your computer.
Typical Script:
“We’ve detected malicious activity from your device. Please allow us remote access to remove the virus.”
Victims who fall for this scam end up downloading remote desktop software, giving full control to scammers who may:
- Lock files and demand ransom
- Steal personal files
- Install keyloggers for further access
This scam is especially dangerous for elderly or non-tech-savvy individuals.
01513293649 – Compensation Claims Scam (Liverpool)
01513293649 is associated with fake accident claims. Often using robocalls, it asks recipients if they’ve “been in a recent car accident that wasn’t your fault.”
This number is part of the widespread “No Win, No Fee” cold-calling network that tries to extract legal or insurance details to either:
- Sell to third-party firms
- Initiate fake compensation claims in your name
The calls are not always illegal, but they often violate cold-calling regulations and can be misleading.
02039597675 – Fake Charity Call (London)
With emotional manipulation at its core, 02039597675 frequently pretends to represent charity organizations—especially those related to children, veterans, or disaster relief.
How It Works:
- High-pressure requests for donations
- Often ask for card numbers directly over the phone
- May spoof legitimate charity names
Always verify charities through the UK Charity Commission or websites like Give.org before donating.
01977788417 – Delivery Scam (Pontefract)
With online shopping at an all-time high, scammers have pivoted to fake delivery and courier scams. This number, 01977788417, typically sends a voicemail or text stating that your package could not be delivered and asks you to call back or click a link.
What Happens Next:
- A fake rep may ask for card payment to “reschedule”
- Links often lead to malware downloads or phishing sites
- They may even ask for your home address to “confirm identity”
This scam preys on the frequency of legitimate package deliveries, especially around holidays or sales seasons.
01274041023 – Broadband Provider Scam (Bradford)
This Bradford number, 01274041023, is linked to fake calls from broadband providers like BT, Virgin Media, or Sky.
Their Claims Include:
- Suspicious activity on your IP address
- Urging you to change router settings or install software
- Offering discounts in exchange for a card number
The goal is to obtain either remote control of your device or personal details to access your accounts.
01618201220 – Loan Scam Call (Manchester)
Finally, 01618201220 is reported for pretending to offer pre-approved loans. These scams are especially common among those who recently searched for loans online.
Red Flags:
- Guaranteeing loan approval with no credit check
- Asking for an “upfront processing fee”
- Disappearing after payment is made
Legitimate lenders never request fees in advance, making this one of the clearest signs of a scam.
How to Protect Yourself from Spam and Scam Calls
Dealing with spam calls is a nuisance, but protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated:
- Don’t answer unknown numbers — let them go to voicemail.
- Use call-blocking apps — Truecaller, Hiya, and others are effective.
- Report suspicious calls to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk).
- Never share sensitive information like National Insurance, bank details, or passwords.
- Enable call screening on your mobile device if available.
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) – while not foolproof, it reduces legitimate cold calls.
Conclusion
The rise of phone-based fraud in the UK shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. As technology improves, so do the methods used by scammers. Staying informed is the first line of defense. The numbers listed in this article represent just a fraction of the threat landscape, but awareness of these specific scam tactics can help you, your family, and your colleagues stay safe.
If you receive a call from any of these numbers, do not engage, block the number, and report it immediately.
