Sometimes we receive phone calls and messages that we don’t want. They might be sales or marketing calls, silent calls, or calls and messages from scammers.
It’s important to know how to recognise these, as well as knowing how to deal with them.
In this section of our website you can find out more about the different types of unwanted calls and messages that you might receive. We’ll tell you what to look out for, and what to do if you receive one.
You’ll also find details of who to report them to. Depending on the nature of the call or message, that may be Ofcom, your provider, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), Action Fraud, or the police. Action Fraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reports of fraud and any other financial crime in Scotland should be reported to the police via 101.
Easy-read guides make information more accessible, particularly for people with learning disabilities. Read our easy-read guide on how to get fewer phone calls you do not want (PDF, 1012.2 KB).Easy-read guide
