Could that call be a trap?

A number that looks like an ordinary UK phone number can still be used by a scammer. Ofcom has fined Tismi £437,500 after finding that about 366,000 sub-allocated numbers were exposed to potential misuse for more than two years.

This does not mean all 366,000 numbers were used for fraud. Ofcom describes exposure to risk: the provider lacked adequate customer checks, monitoring for potential misuse and a suitable documented process for handling reports.

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What did Ofcom find?

The breaches ran from at least 15 November 2022 to 1 January 2025. Ofcom directed Tismi to block certain numbers in June 2025, and closed the investigation on 21 October 2026.

The starting penalty was £625,000. It was reduced by 30% to £437,500 after Tismi admitted liability and settled. Ofcom also opened a separate investigation into Xtra Phones UK; that is an investigation, not a finding of wrongdoing.

Why does a familiar number prove nothing?

Providers receive blocks of numbers and can transfer their use to other businesses. Scammers can also spoof the caller ID shown on your screen. A local area code, familiar opening digits or a bank name displayed on the phone do not prove who is calling.

If a caller rushes you or asks for a password, one-time code, card details or a transfer, hang up. Find the organisation's number independently on its official website, banking app or the back of your card and call that number instead.

Report a number free to 7726

1. Suspicious call: copy or share the number from your recent calls in a text to 7726. It is free and alerts your mobile provider to investigate and potentially block the number.
2. Suspicious text: do not reply or open a link. Forward the SMS to 7726, then delete it.
3. WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal: use the app's own report and block tools. These messages usually cannot be forwarded to 7726.

Do not call back unfamiliar numbers, especially those beginning 070, 076, 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118, which can carry high call charges. A spam warning on your phone can help, but it is not a guarantee.

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If you already shared information or sent money

1. Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card, the bank's official website or its app. The bank may be able to stop or recover a payment.
2. Report the scam through the official Report Fraud service or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report it to Police Scotland on 101.
3. Contact your mobile provider if you opened a link or installed software. Avoid banking apps on that device until you know it is safe.
4. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

For small businesses: never change a supplier's bank details solely on the basis of a call or email. Confirm new payment details through a second channel using a previously saved number, especially before payroll, supplier invoices or large transfers.

Coverage: Ofcom's decision and the 7726 reporting service cover the UK. Police reporting differs in Scotland, where Ofcom specifically directs people to 101.

Sources: Ofcom's decision of 21 October 2026 and its official scam-call guidance. Checked on 25 October 2026.