Key takeaways
Nuisance calls in the UK fall into three categories: unsolicited marketing calls (regulated by the ICO), silent or abandoned calls (regulated by Ofcom), and scam or fraud calls (report to Action Fraud).
Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) at tpsonline.org.uk to opt out of unsolicited marketing calls. It is illegal for UK companies to call TPS-registered numbers for marketing purposes without consent.
Report silent calls, abandoned calls and calls that cause distress to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk. Ofcom can take enforcement action against companies breaching its rules on silent and abandoned calls.
Report suspected scam calls to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. If you are in immediate danger or have been defrauded, call 999 or 101.
Call-blocking apps and devices, TPS registration and number blocking on your phone are the most effective practical defences against nuisance calls.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
|
Types of nuisance calls and who regulates them
| Call type | Regulator | Where to report |
|---|---|---|
| Unsolicited marketing calls | ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) | ico.org.uk |
| Calls to TPS-registered numbers | ICO | ico.org.uk |
| Silent or abandoned calls | Ofcom | ofcom.org.uk |
| Recorded message marketing calls | ICO | ico.org.uk |
| Scam / fraud calls | Action Fraud | actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 |
| Abusive or threatening calls | Police | 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency) |
| Premium rate scam calls | Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) | psauthority.org.uk |
Telephone Preference Service (TPS) registration
The TPS is the UK's official opt-out register for unsolicited marketing calls. Registering your number at tpsonline.org.uk means UK-based companies are legally prohibited from calling you for direct marketing purposes without your prior consent. Registration is free and takes effect within 28 days.
TPS registration covers landlines and mobiles. Corporate TPS (CTPS) provides the same protection for business numbers. If a company calls your TPS-registered number without consent, report them to the ICO at ico.org.uk -- the ICO can issue fines of up to 500,000 pounds for serious breaches.
TPS registration reduces marketing calls significantly but does not stop all nuisance calls. Scammers operating from outside the UK are not bound by TPS rules. Call blocking provides additional protection.
Reporting silent and abandoned calls to Ofcom
Silent calls (where you answer and hear nothing) and abandoned calls (where you answer, hear a recorded message, and the call disconnects before connecting you to an agent) are regulated by Ofcom. Companies using predictive diallers must not generate more than 3% of calls that result in a silent or abandoned outcome. They must also allow at least 15 seconds before abandoning a connected call.
Report silent or abandoned calls to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk/make-a-complaint. Include the date, time and number that called. Ofcom uses complaint data to monitor companies and can take enforcement action against persistent offenders.
Reporting scam calls to Action Fraud
Calls from people impersonating banks, HMRC, the police, utility companies or parcel delivery services are typically fraud attempts. Report these to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, run by the City of London Police.
If you have already lost money to a scam call, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Report ongoing harassment or threatening calls to your local police on 101.
Practical steps to reduce nuisance calls
Register with TPS: free, reduces legitimate marketing calls to near zero from UK companies.
Use call blocking on your smartphone: both Android and iOS allow you to block specific numbers in the phone settings. Third-party apps (Hiya, Should I Answer, Truecaller) identify and automatically block known nuisance numbers.
Use call-blocking devices for landlines: devices such as Truecall, BT Call Protect and CPR Call Blocker screen incoming calls and block known nuisance numbers before the phone rings. BT Call Protect is available free to BT customers.
Do not engage: answering a nuisance call and pressing any key (including to opt out) can confirm to automated systems that your number is active, increasing future calls. Where possible, hang up without engaging.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice. Telecoms information is sourced from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Always verify current information at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop nuisance calls on my mobile?
Register your mobile number with the Telephone Preference Service at tpsonline.org.uk. Use your phone's built-in call blocking to block specific numbers. Install a call-blocking app such as Hiya or Truecaller. Report repeated nuisance calls to Ofcom (silent/abandoned calls) or the ICO (unsolicited marketing calls).
Is it illegal to make nuisance calls in the UK?
Unsolicited marketing calls to TPS-registered numbers without consent are illegal under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Silent and abandoned calls exceeding Ofcom's permitted limits are a breach of Ofcom's rules. Scam and fraud calls are criminal offences. Each category has a different enforcement body -- ICO, Ofcom and Action Fraud respectively.
What should I do if I receive a call from HMRC saying I owe tax?
HMRC does not make unsolicited calls threatening immediate arrest or demanding instant payment. Such calls are scams. Hang up. Do not provide any personal information or make any payment. Report the call to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040. HMRC's genuine contact details are at gov.uk/contact-hmrc.
What is a silent call and how do I report it?
A silent call is one where you answer and hear nothing. It typically occurs when a predictive dialler has connected your call before an agent is available and then disconnects. Report silent calls to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk/make-a-complaint with the date, time and number. Ofcom monitors company compliance with its silent call rules.
Does TPS registration stop all nuisance calls?
No. TPS registration stops legitimate UK-based companies from calling you for marketing without consent, and they face ICO fines if they breach it. However, scammers operating from outside the UK are not bound by TPS rules and will continue to call. Call-blocking apps and devices provide additional protection against these calls.
What is the Telephone Preference Service?
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the UK's official opt-out register for unsolicited direct marketing calls. Registering your number at tpsonline.org.uk is free and means UK companies cannot call you for marketing without your prior consent. Corporate TPS (CTPS) provides the same protection for business numbers.
How do I report a scam call?
Report scam calls to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud. If you have lost money, also contact your bank immediately. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Can I get money back if I was scammed via a phone call?
Possibly. If you were tricked into transferring money from your bank account, contact your bank immediately and request a recall of the transfer. Under the Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud reimbursement rules that came into force in October 2023, banks must reimburse victims of APP fraud in most cases. Report to Action Fraud and your bank as quickly as possible.
