You may think scam calls come from local numbers, but many originate overseas. International scam calls reach millions of UK households each month, tricking people with fake investment offers, tech support scams, or impersonations of government agencies.
But how do these foreign calls reach your home phone—and what can you do to stop them?
How Do Overseas Scammers Reach UK Landlines?
Modern technology makes it easy for criminals abroad to connect with UK homes. Using VoIP systems (Voice over Internet Protocol), scammers can place thousands of calls cheaply from anywhere in the world. These calls are then routed through UK networks to make them appear local.
Common tactics include:
- Caller ID spoofing: Fraudsters disguise international numbers as UK ones, often using local area codes.
- Global routing: Calls are passed through several international carriers, hiding their true origin.
- Recycled UK numbers: Some scams use dormant or disconnected numbers to seem familiar.
- Free calling software: Cheap or free VoIP apps let scammers flood lines for minimal cost.
Because traditional landlines were never built for digital authentication, they’re easy targets for this kind of manipulation.
Summary: Overseas scammers use VoIP and spoofing to disguise calls as UK-based, exploiting weaknesses in older landline systems.
What Are the Most Common International Scam Calls in the UK?
International scam calls come in many forms, but their aim is always the same: deception and profit. The most frequent examples include:
- Tech support scams: Callers claim to be from Microsoft or BT, asking for remote computer access.
- Bank or HMRC impersonation: Fraudsters pretend to represent official agencies, demanding immediate payment.
- Prize and lottery scams: They say you’ve won money abroad but must pay “release fees.”
- Charity and health scams: Fake fundraisers exploit global events or health concerns.
- Investment fraud: Scammers offer high returns in “international trading opportunities.”
Older adults are particularly vulnerable because these callers use fear and urgency to pressure quick decisions.
Summary: UK landlines face daily international scams ranging from tech support fraud to fake investment calls designed to steal money and trust.
How Can UK Families Protect Against International Scam Calls?
The key to stopping scam calls is prevention through education and technology. Installing a landline call blocker is one of the simplest, most effective defences.
Here’s how to protect your home:
- Use a call blocker like CPR Call Blocker: Preloaded with thousands of global scam numbers and capable of blocking new ones instantly.
- Whitelist trusted contacts: Ensure family, doctors, and friends always get through.
- Ignore unfamiliar international codes: If you don’t recognise the number, let it ring out.
- Enable your provider’s scam protection: UK telecoms like BT and Sky now offer automatic call filtering.
- Report suspicious numbers: Forward scams to Action Fraud or your service provider.
A few simple actions can dramatically reduce international spam and fraud on your landline.
Summary: Combining landline call blockers with telecom filters and family awareness provides reliable protection against overseas scam calls.
Conclusion
International scam calls reach UK landlines through global VoIP systems, caller ID spoofing, and cheap routing networks. But you can fight back.
Explore CPR Call Blocker today — the smart, easy way to keep overseas scammers from reaching your home phone.
FAQ:
Q: Why do international scam calls appear as local numbers?
A: Scammers use caller ID spoofing to mimic UK area codes and trick recipients into answering.
Q: Can landline call blockers stop overseas calls?
A: Yes. Advanced models like CPR Call Blocker can identify and block high-risk or foreign numbers automatically.
Q: How can I report international scam calls in the UK?
A: Report them to Action Fraud or your telecom provider’s nuisance call department.
Q: Do these scams mainly target older people?
A: Yes. Scammers often focus on seniors who rely on landlines and may not recognise digital fraud tactics.
