Unwanted nuisance calls in the UK continue to be one of the biggest frustrations for households across the country.
From fake broadband problems to energy-saving offers that sound too good to be true, nuisance calls are becoming more frequent, and in many cases, more convincing.
New data from Phonely, based on more than 68,000 user-reported nuisance calls submitted between January and May 2026, reveals the most common scam call trends affecting people across the UK right now.
The findings show that broadband scams, energy-related scams, and recorded scam calls are among the fastest-growing nuisance call types in the UK.
Many callers now use realistic scripts, local phone numbers, and recorded voices designed to sound genuine and trustworthy.
Key Findings
- More than 68,000 nuisance and scam calls were reported to Phonely in just five months
- Recorded and computer-generated scam calls increased by 241% between March and April 2026
- Broadband and mobile scams accounted for nearly 18% of all reports
- Energy scams made up more than 1 in 6 nuisance call reports
- Many users described calls using recorded or computer-generated voices
The Most Common Nuisance Calls in the UK
Based on reports submitted by Phonely users, these were the most commonly reported nuisance calls in 2026 so far.
| Scam Type | Reports | Share of Reports |
|---|---|---|
| General spam / nuisance calls | 40,222 | 58.4% |
| Mobile & broadband scams | 12,238 | 17.8% |
| Energy scams | 10,429 | 15.1% |
| AI/robocalls | 1,966 | 2.9% |
| Bank fraud scams | 1,409 | 2.0% |
| Survey/marketing spam | 1,180 | 1.7% |
Many people reported receiving repeated calls claiming there was a problem with their broadband, internet connection, or energy account.
Others described callers offering:
- fake energy savings
- insulation grants
- broadband upgrades
- account checks
- compensation claims
AI Scam Calls Are Rising Rapidly
One of the biggest concerns uncovered in the report was the sharp rise in recorded and automated scam calls.
Between March and April 2026, reports mentioning recorded messages, robotic voices, or computer-generated speech increased by more than 241%.
Many users said the calls sounded realistic at first, making them harder to recognise as scams.
Common descriptions included:
- “recorded voice”
- “computer voice”
- “automated message”
- “machine-like caller”
Some callers pretended to be:
- banks
- internet providers
- energy companies
- delivery companies
Others used automated systems to pressure people into responding quickly or sharing personal information.
Scammers are increasingly using technology to make nuisance calls sound more convincing.
Energy Scams Continue to Affect UK Households
Energy-related scams were one of the most commonly reported types of nuisance calls this year.
Many callers claimed to offer:
- lower energy bills
- boiler replacements
- insulation schemes
- solar panel savings
- smart meter upgrades
With household bills remaining a major concern for many people, scammers appear to be using the cost of living crisis to gain trust and pressure people into responding.
Phonely received more than 10,400 reports linked to energy scams in the first five months of 2026 alone.
Broadband Scams Remain Widespread
Broadband and mobile phone scams were the single largest identifiable scam category in the report.
Many callers claimed to be from:
- BT
- Openreach
- broadband providers
- mobile networks
Users often described callers saying:
- their internet would be disconnected
- there was suspicious activity on their account
- their router needed updating
- their broadband contract was expiring
These calls are designed to create panic and encourage quick decisions.
If something feels rushed or alarming, it is always worth taking a moment to pause before responding.
Scam Calls Are Becoming Harder to Recognise
Modern scam calls are becoming increasingly convincing.
Many nuisance callers now use:
- local phone number spoofing
- recorded voices
- realistic scripts
- automated call systems
This can make scam calls appear genuine — especially when the caller sounds calm, professional, or familiar.
According to Phonely, the rise in automated scam calls means people should be more cautious than ever when answering unexpected calls.
“What’s particularly concerning is the rise of recorded scam calls that sound far more convincing than traditional nuisance calls,” said a spokesperson for Phonely.
“If you receive an unexpected phone call asking for personal information, payment details, or urgent action, it’s always safest to hang up and contact the organisation directly using a trusted number.”
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself From Scam Calls
While nuisance calls are becoming more advanced, there are still simple ways to stay safer.
1. Never share personal details on unexpected calls
Banks, broadband providers, and government departments will never pressure you to share passwords or payment details over the phone.
2. Take your time
Scammers often try to create panic or urgency. If something feels rushed, it is perfectly okay to hang up and check things independently.
3. Verify the caller yourself
If someone claims to be from your bank or provider, contact the company directly using a number from their official website or paperwork.
4. Block suspicious numbers
Blocking nuisance callers can help reduce repeated scam attempts.
5. Speak to someone you trust if you are unsure
If a call feels suspicious, it can help to get a second opinion before taking action.
How We Collected the Data
This report is based on 68,852 nuisance and scam call reports submitted by Phonely users between January and May 2026.
To identify scam trends, Phonely analysed both user-selected categories and the written descriptions included in reports. This helped uncover emerging patterns, including recorded scam calls and energy-related scams.
Staying Safe From Scam Calls
Nuisance calls in the UK are continuing to evolve, with scammers increasingly using technology to sound more convincing and trustworthy.
While scam calls are becoming harder to recognise, taking a moment to pause, verify who is calling, and avoid rushed decisions can make a significant difference.
If in doubt, it is always safest to hang up and contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number.