A scammer has my phone number and address: what to do in the UK
A scam call that knew your name and address is unsettling. Most advice online is American and tells you to "freeze your credit", which you can't do for free in the UK. Here's what actually helps here.
- Don't reply or call back. Hang up on anyone who rings "from your bank" and call 159 instead.
- Ask your mobile network for a SIM swap or port-out PIN, and move important accounts from text codes to an authenticator app.
- Report it: 7726 for texts, Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) for scam calls; Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
- Check your credit files for free, and consider Cifas Protective Registration if you think you're being targeted.
What they can and can't do
| With your… | They can | They can't (on their own) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone number | Call and text scams, spoof trusted numbers, attempt a SIM swap | Hack your phone or empty your account |
| Address | Make scams more convincing, send fake letters or parcel notices | Take out credit without more information and checks |
| Both plus your name | Impersonate your bank, energy supplier or delivery firm convincingly | Get past security unless you give them more |
UK steps vs the American advice you'll read
| US advice | What to do in the UK |
|---|---|
| "Freeze your credit for free" | No free freeze exists. Use Cifas Protective Registration (paid) and check your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion files |
| "Report to the FTC" | Report Fraud (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland on 101 |
| "Forward spam texts to 7726" | Same in the UK: 7726 works on all major networks |
| "Add a carrier PIN" | Ask your network for SIM swap and port-out protection |
Stop them finding you again
Your details reached the scammer from somewhere, and they'll be on other lists too. Shrink the supply:
- Opt out of the open register.
- Remove people-search listings such as 192.com.
- Remove your address from Google results.
- Send erasure requests to data brokers, and register with the TPS.
This won't recall your details from criminals who already have them. It does reduce how many companies sell them on, which cuts the next wave.
If you've already given something away
If you shared bank details, a PIN or a security code, call your bank on 159 straight away, change the passwords involved, and report it to Report Fraud. The NCSC's advice on what to do after sharing information is a good checklist.
Questions people ask
Should I be worried if a scammer has my phone number and address?
Be careful, not panicked. A number and address on their own don't let anyone into your bank account. The risk is what they use them for: convincing phishing calls and texts, impersonating your bank or delivery firms, and trying to get more details out of you.
What can a scammer do with my phone number?
Call and text you with scams, spoof calls that look like they come from trusted organisations, try a SIM swap to intercept your security codes, and pass your number on to other scammers.
Can I freeze my credit in the UK?
The UK has no free credit freeze like the US. The closest is Cifas Protective Registration, a paid service that flags your name so lenders do extra checks before opening accounts. You can also check your credit files for free with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Where do I report a scam in the UK?
Report fraud and scam attempts to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040), or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland. Forward scam texts to 7726. To contact your bank safely, call 159.
How did a scammer get my address?
Common sources are data breaches, people-search sites that publish names and addresses, marketing lists sold by data brokers, and the open electoral register.
Want this done for you? Ceaselist sends erasure requests to 668 data brokers as your authorised agent, chases the legal deadlines and prepares an ICO complaint when a broker ignores the law. £29 a year or £3.99 a month, full refund within 30 days.
Start with Ceaselist Free do-it-yourself packThis guide is general information, not legal advice. Prices and processes for other services were taken from their public websites and reviews in October 2026 and can change; check before you buy. Ceaselist is our own service, so we have an interest: we have tried to be fair, including about where we fall short.