A sudden run of calls from +225, +234, +62 or other foreign numbers feels alarming, but it rarely means anyone has targeted you personally. It means your number is on a list that overseas operations are working through. The response is the same whatever the country: don't call back, don't engage, filter the calls.

The usual reasons

  • Data breaches. Numbers from leaked customer databases are traded and reused by scam groups worldwide.
  • Number range sweeps. Some operations simply dial every number in a block, so whole networks get waves of calls.
  • One-ring scams. Missed calls meant to make you call back an expensive number.
  • Job and investment scams. Calls and WhatsApp messages offering easy online work or trading returns.
  • Legitimate reasons. Overseas call centres working for UK companies, a delivery abroad or family and friends travelling.

What the country code tells you

The digits after + show the country: +44 is the UK, +1 the US, Canada and parts of the Caribbean, +234 Nigeria, +225 Ivory Coast, +870 a satellite network. Our dialling codes page lists the codes UK phones see most often. Keep in mind that scammers can also route calls through countries they aren't in.

Does it cost you anything?

Receiving an international call on a UK mobile or landline in the UK doesn't cost you. Calling back does, sometimes a lot. The exception is when you are roaming abroad, where receiving calls can be charged depending on your tariff.

How to cut the calls

  1. Don't answer or call back international numbers you don't recognise.
  2. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone or spam protection in the Android Phone app.
  3. Block repeat numbers and report them to your network by texting "call" to 7726.
  4. On a BT landline, dial 1572 to use Call Protect, which can send international calls to a junk voicemail.
  5. Check whether your details appear in a breach and update reused passwords.
  6. Ignore unexpected job offers on WhatsApp from numbers you don't know - they are a common scam.

If the calls only ring once, read why you keep getting calls that only ring once. You can also search the number on Who Rang to see if others in the UK are getting the same calls.