How phone scams work
The NCSC says scammers call out of the blue pretending to be from an organisation you trust, such as your bank or the police. The call may be a recording or a real person. They may ask for your bank details, or tell you to move your money.
The number on your screen can be faked. The FTC warns that scammers can make any name or number show up, so a call can look like it’s from your bank when it isn’t.
The warning signs
- You’re asked for personal or bank details. The NCSC says your bank will never call and ask you to confirm your bank account details.
- You’re rushed. Honest organisations give you time to think.
- You’re threatened with arrest, a fine or losing your money.
- You’ve “won” a prize but have to pay to collect it. The FTC says: if you have to pay, there is no prize.
- You’re asked to pay in an odd way, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, a payment app or a wire transfer.
What to do
- Hang up. If it’s a recorded message, don’t press any numbers. The FTC says that can lead to more calls.
- Check for yourself. Call the organisation on a number you find yourself: on your bank card, a paper statement or their official website. Never use a number the caller gives you.
- In the UK, you can call 159 to reach your bank safely. Stop Scams UK says it connects customers of more than 99% of UK current accounts directly to their bank, and that 159 can’t be faked.
Stop scam calls
- The NCSC says many phone companies offer caller display, incoming call blocking and anonymous call rejection. Ask your provider what they offer.
- The FTC calls call blocking your best defence against unwanted calls.
Report it
- In the UK: if you’ve lost money, tell your bank, then report it to Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) on 0300 123 2040, or to Police Scotland on 101.
- In the US: if you lost money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. To report an unwanted call without a loss, use DoNotCall.gov.
Next: read what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
Sources
- National Cyber Security Centre (UK), Report a scam phone call, checked 11 Oct 2026.
- National Cyber Security Centre (UK), How to spot a scam email, text message or call, checked 11 Oct 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission (US), Phone Scams, checked 11 Oct 2026.
- Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number, checked 11 Oct 2026.