Fake Support Calls in the United Kingdom
How tech-support fraudsters target UK residents by impersonating HMRC, BT, Sky, and major banks — and the Action Fraud reporting process.
Part of: Fake Tech Support Calls
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Tech-support and government-impersonation calls are among the most frequently reported fraud types in the United Kingdom. Callers use number-spoofing technology to make calls appear to originate from trusted British institutions — HMRC, the BT broadband helpline, NatWest fraud teams, or the Metropolitan Police — and then use urgency and authority to coerce victims into transferring money or granting remote access to their devices.
This guide focuses on how these calls manifest specifically in the UK context, including the brands most commonly impersonated and the UK-specific reporting pathways.
How this scam works on United Kingdom
A common scenario begins with an automated message claiming to be from HMRC, warning of an unpaid tax debt or impending arrest warrant. The victim presses a number to 'speak to an officer,' who then demands immediate payment by bank transfer, prepaid card, or iTunes gift card. HMRC has publicly stated that it does not leave such voicemails or demand immediate payment by phone.
Telecoms impersonation involves callers claiming BT, Sky, or Virgin Media have detected a problem with the victim's router. Remote-access software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer is requested to 'fix' the issue. Once the caller has remote access, they navigate to online banking and attempt to transfer funds, sometimes staging a fake 'overpayment refund' to justify accessing the account.
Common red flags
- Automated call claiming to be HMRC threatening arrest or court action
- Caller from 'BT' or 'Sky' who says your broadband is being used for illegal activity
- Request to download remote-access software to resolve a problem
- Bank 'fraud team' caller who asks you to move money to a 'safe account'
- Demand for payment by gift card, bank transfer, or prepaid card to settle a government debt
- Caller who tells you not to tell anyone — including family — about the call
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call back using the number on the official company website — never the number given by the caller
- Know that HMRC does not threaten arrest by phone or demand immediate payment by gift card
- Never grant remote access to your device to an unsolicited caller
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unsolicited calls
- Use the '159' service if a caller claims to be your bank — it connects directly to your bank's fraud team
How to report it
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040
- If money was moved, call your bank immediately; UK banks are required to review potential fraud claims
- Forward suspicious texts or call details to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a call claiming to be from HMRC demanding immediate payment is real?
HMRC does not call demanding immediate payment via gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer, nor do they threaten immediate arrest over the phone — legitimate tax communication generally comes by letter first, and any genuine call would never pressure you to pay before you can verify it. Hang up and contact HMRC directly through the number on gov.uk if you're concerned about a real tax matter.
A caller claiming to be from BT or Sky says my broadband will be cut off unless I pay now — what should I do?
Hang up and call BT or Sky back using the number on your bill or their official website, not any number the caller gives you, since real providers don't threaten immediate disconnection over an unverified phone call demanding urgent payment. Legitimate billing issues are handled through your account portal or scheduled notices, not high-pressure calls.
Where do I report a fake support call impersonating a UK bank or company?
Report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, with as much detail as you can about the caller, the number, and what was requested. If a payment was involved, contact your bank directly as well, or use the 159 hotline to reach them securely.
What is the '159' service in the UK?
159 is a dedicated phone number that connects you to your bank's fraud department, regardless of which major UK bank you use. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be your bank, hang up and dial 159 to verify whether the alert is genuine.