TL;DR: On June 16, 2026, City of London Police warned about scam calls using spoofed phone numbers after receiving more than 260 calls in a matter of hours from members of the public. Criminals use spoofing software to hide their real caller ID and mimic a legitimate organisation’s number.
What happened
City of London Police said criminals use “spoofing” software to hide their real caller ID and mimic the number of a legitimate organisation. The force launched a courier fraud awareness campaign the same week.
The alert does not name the organisation whose number was copied or give a figure for losses.
Why it works
People trust the name or number on their screen, so a copied number makes a request to “move your money” sound official. Reports spike when a number is spoofed to many people at once.
The force’s advice below is its own.
Background: our explainers on caller ID spoofing and vishing. See also NCA Charges Five Over Spoofing Platform Behind Scam Calls and Derbyshire Police Warn of Fake Police and Bank Fraud Team Calls. For wider numbers, see our data page on how scams start (contact methods).
What City of London Police advise
- If an unexpected caller claims to be from the police or your bank, hang up, then call back using a number from the organisation’s official website.
- Hang up on automated messages asking you to press a number about fraud.
- Report suspicious calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” and the caller’s number.
- If you have lost money or been hacked, report to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland); in Scotland call 101.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is number spoofing?
Criminals use software to hide their real caller ID and display the number of a legitimate organisation.
How many reports did the police receive?
More than 260 calls in a matter of hours, according to City of London Police on June 16, 2026.
How do I report a suspicious call?
Text 7726 with the word “Call” and the caller’s number.
What should I do if I lose money?
Report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040, or call 101 in Scotland, and tell your bank.
Sources
- City of London Police: Alert on scam calls using spoofed phone numbers (Jun 16, 2026)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)
Related Reading
- NCA Charges Five Over Spoofing Platform Behind Scam Calls
- Derbyshire Police Warn of Fake Police and Bank Fraud Team Calls
- “Unverified” Texts: What Australia’s SMS Sender ID Register Means
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- How Scams Start: Contact Methods in US, UK and Australia (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live