How to Find Out Who Called Me in the UK

Ever stared at a missed call from an unknown number and wondered, “Who called me?” You are not alone. Knowing how to identify nuisance and fraudulent calls is an important skill. In the UK, the Global Call Threat Report revealed that residents received approximately three spam calls per person each month in 2025. This guide will provide you with all the tools you need to identify unknown callers and protect yourself.

Understanding the UK phone number format

Before we directly answer what it takes to find out who called you in the UK, let’s talk about the basic means of identifying all types of phone calls. First, the UK phone number format combines the country code (+44), an area code (which can be either a geographic or non-geographic prefix), and the subscriber number that’s unique to each line. 

Additionally, when someone calls from abroad, the leading zero for the area code (after the country code) is omitted. For example, an international call to a London landline would be +44 20 7946 000 (where the subscriber number is 020 7946 0000). 

This also means that when you are already in the UK and want to call someone in a different city or state, you just need to include the zero before the area code and subscriber number. For example, dialling a landline in Manchester might require the number 0161 7946 0000. Additionally, mobile numbers typically have 11 digits, begin with the prefix “07”, and do not require an area code.

How to find out who called me in the UK

Now let’s directly answer the question – who called me from this phone number?” There are diverse tools and unique techniques to uncover their identity. 

Check common UK phone prefixes

In the same way you need to know the UK phone number format, you need to memorise common prefixes used for “nuisance phone calls”. Here are some outlined by the anti-scam platform Hiya:

• 0141 – Glasgow
• 0113 – Leeds
• 01922 – Walsall
• 01268 – Basildon
• 020 – London
• 0161 – Glasgow
• 01792 – Swansea
• 0151 – Liverpool
• 0115 – Nottingham

Use reverse phone lookup

Reverse phone lookup services can provide direct access to all available information about the owner of a phone number. The right tools can reveal a person’s full name, address, and other associated details. Here are two popular reverse phone lookup services you can try.

Who-Called Me/Wotcha App

Who-Called is a fantastic tool designed to help UK residents quickly find information about any unknown caller. This tool specifically flags phone numbers directly connected to reported spam or scams. Hence, you’ll find their name and insights on whether the owner has been linked to any fraudulent activity or telemarketing. Here’s how it works:

• Go to the Who Called Me website.

• Type in the phone number.
• In no time, you’ll see their name and information about spamming or scamming activities.

LocatePhone 

LocatePhone is a robust reverse phone lookup service that does more than find their full name. With this solution, you can also find addresses, linked social media profiles, and other information about UK phone numbers to enjoy a more comprehensive view of who called you. This fantastic tool scans billions of records, including criminal records, property records, and more, to access this detailed data. 

Here’s how it works:

• Go to the UK reverse phone lookup service by LocatePhone.

• Type the British phone number and click the “lookup” button.
• Wait for the lookup to begin.

• Then click “Unlock All Results.”
• Finally, enter your email address. 

Google the UK number

You can also use your Google search engine to find information about that phone number. If it’s connected to very public information, such as website pages or forums where people have complained about it, you’ll likely find it. The Google search engine may also reveal information about phone numbers in global phone directories, when available. Here’s how to use this tool:

• First, directly search for the phone number (including the country and area code). 
• Next, try using the subscriber number alone with and without quotes. 

• Additionally, include keywords such as “scam” or “who called me” to refine the results. 

Use a caller ID & blocking app

Besides web-based services, you can also install an automatic call ID and spam-blocking app. These apps will quickly scan any phone number that calls or texts you and display the caller’s name based on the outcome of their reverse phone lookup. A common app used for this purpose in the UK is the Hiya app. Here’s how to start using it:

• Download the Hiya app on your Android or IOS smartphone.
• Launch the app and click the “Get Started” button.

• Enter your phone number.

• Either click to “start a free trial” or “continue with Basic” for the free option.

• Now you’re all set whenever you receive an unknown call, the Hiya app will help.

Search social media

Social media is also a great place to find information about any phone number. If someone has linked their phone number to their profile or published it in their posts, you’ll find it. Here’s how to search:

• Log in to your Facebook account via the app or website.
• Go to the search bar and enter the phone number (with the country code for the UK).
• Filter your search by “posts” or “pages” and browse the results. 

Check with UK mobile carriers

Fortunately, your mobile carrier in the UK also provides add-ons and tools to block international fraud calls and flag telemarketers. Depending on your mobile carrier, you will have access to various features that protect against these nuisance calls. Here’s how:

• EE (BT Group): On the EE network, calls from scam numbers flagged by OFcom and fraud databases are immediately flagged. There’s also the BT Call Protect, a free auto-divert service for all calls suspected of being nuisance calls. BT also provides a range of phones with call blocking assistants that announce incoming calls and enable instant blocking. You’ll have access to the GSMA’s 7726 service, which is free and allows you to forward spam texts to the government by sending to 7726.
• O2: O2 provides Call Defence, powered by AI, which automatically screens calls and alerts you to spam or scam calls before you answer. You can also consider the O2 add-on to receive premium rates on your account and automatically block calls from suspicious phone numbers. Additionally, you can utilise the GSMA 7726 service.
• Three: Three block numbers that other subscribers have reported via Three’s app or customer service. You can also block phone numbers directly by texting “BLOCK” followed by the number to 50216. There are no other native tools for advanced protection.

Common types of spam calls to avoid in the UK

Fortunately, you now have the answers to find out who phoned you in the UK quickly. That said, it’s still important to know how to identify patterns within the calls you receive that malicious agents use for their spam or scam activities. 

• HMRC tax scam call: Fraudsters impersonate tax officials, claiming you owe fines and have to pay or face arrest. Remember, never share personal or financial details. HMRC only contacts by post. 
• Amazon or tech support scams: You may receive calls claiming your Amazon account has been compromised and that you need to take action. Hang up immediately. Amazon never calls anyone.
• Lottery or prize draw scams: Scammers may call you, claiming you have won a prize, and ask that you pay fees or taxes upfront. Real prizes don’t demand payment. Ignore, block and report.
• Parcel delivery scams: Scammers can call or text, saying you missed a delivery. They ask for fees or that you click on phishing links. Always track parcels via official courier apps only.
• Pension & investment scams: You may receive high-pressure calls claiming you should invest in a scheme with “guaranteed high returns”. Cold calls are illegal, and you should always verify any via the FCA Register. 

How to report spam or scam calls in the UK

The first step you should always take about any suspicious call is to hang up immediately. You can proceed to look up the phone number afterwards, but report it as soon as possible. Reporting helps the government and other UK citizens stay alert and aware of these individuals. Here’s how to report such a suspicious call:

• Tell your family and friends: There’s a chance the fraudster might target people in your circle.
• Make your official report: ActionFraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can report by calling 0300 123 2040 or filling the form on the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you’re in Scotland, you can contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 or Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
• Use the 7726 code: If you received suspicious texts, you can forward the message and phone number directly to 7726 immediately. You can also report calls this way, by texting the word “Call” followed by the scam number to the 7726 code.
• Contact your bank: If your mobile banking app, credit card, or bank’s website seems to be involved, dial the code 159 to contact your bank safely. 
• Premium rate members: For scams from phone numbers starting with 09, 070, or 0871, contact the Phone-paid Services Authority. Alternatively, you can make a complaint via the website for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

FAQ

How do you find who called me from this number for free?

You can use Google, WhoCalledMe or the Hiya app to find phone number information. When you want a more comprehensive report about that phone number, use a low-cost reverse phone lookup service like LocatePhone. 

Can I trace a private or withheld number?

No, you can’t trace a private or withheld number because you don’t have access to the actual phone number. Phone providers generally do not track these numbers. That’s why you shouldn’t pick such calls. Tracking blocked or private numbers typically occurs only through a court order in cases involving malicious intent. 

How to trace an unknown caller number?

You can trace an unknown caller’s number using the various tools we shared, such as Google, on social media, or using apps like Hiya. When you want a more robust solution to connect the dots on their internet activities, try LocatePhone.

Conclusion

So, the next time you wonder “who phoned me in the UK,” you can quickly find the answers you need using this guide. Remember, combining different methods and tools can help you confirm the information you desire. Ensure to begin by Googling the phone number, followed by using lookup tools like LocatePhone. And when you suspect a fraudster or spammer, don’t hesitate to report to the authorities. With all we’ve talked about here, you can protect your privacy and peace of mind.