TL;DR: On a landline, dial 1471 straight after the call. On a mobile, search the full number in quotes and check community reports. Under UK rules, live marketing callers must say who they are and give a contact number, automated marketing calls need your consent, and anyone registered with the free TPS shouldn’t get marketing calls. Report persistent silent calls to Ofcom (0300 123 3333), robocalls and nuisance marketing to the ICO, and scams to 7726.
First, find the number
From Ofcom’s guidance on unwanted calls:
- Companies using automated dialling must display a number.
- On a landline, dial 1471 after the call.
- Note the number, time and how often they call.
- If you can’t identify them, ask your phone company.
Then search the full number in quotes. UK community sites where people report callers can help, though anything you read there is crowd-sourced, so treat it as a clue, not proof.
Who’s allowed to call you
| Call type | The rule |
|---|---|
| Live marketing call | Must say who they are and give a contact number; must stop if you ask |
| If you’re on the TPS | Marketers shouldn’t call unless you specifically agreed |
| Automated marketing call | Needs your explicit consent |
| Spam text from unknown sender | Don’t reply; forward to 7726 |
Silent and abandoned calls
Ofcom says these are often caused by call-centre dialling systems rather than someone targeting you. Report persistent ones to Ofcom online or on 0300 123 3333 with the number, frequency and how long it’s been happening. Ofcom can fine firms up to £2 million.
When it’s a scam
If the caller claims to be your bank, police, HMRC or a delivery company and wants money, details or codes: hang up and call 159 or the official number. Spoofed numbers can look genuine. See caller ID spoofing and how 159 works. Report scam calls by texting “call” plus the number to 7726 (how).
Cut the calls
- Register free with the Telephone Preference Service (calls can take up to 28 days to drop). See our TPS guide.
- Use your phone’s call blocking.
- Go ex-directory and remove your listing from 192.com.
Nuisance callers usually buy your number from lists. A free email exposure check shows whether your details are in breach data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out who called me in the UK?
Dial 1471 on a landline after the call. On a mobile, search the number and check your call log details.
Do marketing callers have to tell me who they are?
Yes. Ofcom says live marketing callers must say who they are and give a contact number.
Where do I report silent calls?
To Ofcom online or on 0300 123 3333, with the number and how often they call.
How do I stop marketing calls?
Register free with the Telephone Preference Service and use call blocking.