Start by working out what actually happened on the call, because the right response ranges from "nothing" to "call your bank now". Most accidental answers sit firmly at the "nothing" end.
Step 1: what did you do on the call?
| What happened | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Answered, heard a recording or silence, hung up | Very low | Block and report the number |
| Spoke briefly, gave no details | Low | Block, report, expect some more spam |
| Confirmed your name, address or date of birth | Medium | Watch for follow-up scams that use those details |
| Pressed keys or were transferred to an agent | Medium | Check your bill for charges; block and report |
| Read out a code, gave card details, installed an app or paid | High | Call your bank now, then follow the steps below |
Step 2: if you only answered
- Block the number on your phone.
- On a mobile, text "call" to 7726 and reply with the number when asked, so your network can investigate.
- Add a report on Who Rang describing the call - it helps the next person decide not to answer.
- Don't call the number back to complain; it only confirms your line is active.
Step 3: if you gave anything away
- Call your bank immediately using 159 or the number on your card. Ask them to block payments and your card if needed.
- Change passwords for any account you mentioned, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
- Remove any app the caller asked you to install and restart your phone.
- Report it to Report Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 if you live in Scotland.
- Be ready for a second call. Scammers often ring back pretending to be the bank or the police "investigating" the first call. Treat it the same way.
Don't blame yourself
Scam calls are designed to catch people at a busy or worried moment, and plenty of careful people answer them. What matters is acting quickly if something was shared. Banks and payment firms must reimburse most victims of authorised push payment scams, and reporting fast gives them the best chance of stopping money leaving your account.
If you simply said hello and hung up, read what happens if you answer a spam call and say hello - it explains why that is far less serious than it feels. For the wider picture of calls about money, our guide to caller ID spoofing covers the habit that stops most of them.