Number X-Ray

How to use Number X-Ray

1. Copy the number from your missed calls, voicemail or the text message. You can paste it however it appears, with or without +44, spaces or brackets.
2. Press Check number. Number X-Ray works out what kind of number it is, where it’s from and what calling it back is likely to cost.
3. Read the verdict (Looks safe, Be careful or High risk) and the reasons underneath, such as premium rates, international numbers or a number that isn’t valid at all.
4. Want to see how it works first? Try the Premium callback, Missed call or Normal landline examples. They use fake numbers or Ofcom’s drama numbers, which never belong to a real person.

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How phone number scams work

Some scams just want you to ring back. A single ring from an unknown number, a voicemail saying “please call us urgently” or a text claiming you’ve missed a parcel can all lead to a premium-rate or international number that charges you by the minute, with the scammer taking a share. Others want to talk you into handing over card details, a one-time passcode or a bank transfer.

The number itself often gives the game away. A “mobile” that starts 070 is really a personal number. A number starting 09 or 118 costs far more than a normal call. The codes +882 and +883 belong to global networks rather than countries, and some Caribbean numbers look just like US ones. Number X-Ray reads all of that from the digits, so you know what you’re dealing with before you call.

What the warnings mean

• Premium-rate number (09): can cost up to about £3.60 a minute, plus your provider’s access charge. Real banks, delivery firms and HMRC don’t ask you to ring these.
• Directory enquiries (118): Ofcom caps these at £3.65 for each 90 seconds, which still adds up quickly if you’re kept on hold.
• Costs more than a normal call (084, 087): service numbers where part of the charge goes to the company you’re calling.
• 070 is not a mobile: personal numbers that forward to somewhere else. They look like mobile numbers, which is why scammers like them.
• Common in missed-call scams: international ranges, including some Caribbean numbers that use +1 just like the USA and Canada, that are known for one-ring “call me back” tricks.
• International network with no country: satellite and global network codes +882 and +883 can cost several pounds a minute.
• Made to look like a UK number: extra zeros, a missing plus sign, letters that look like numbers or invisible characters, used to make a foreign or fake number pass for a UK one.
• This isn’t a valid UK number: the wrong length or a range that isn’t in use. Real companies don’t give out numbers that can’t be dialled.
• Short codes: texts to or from five- and six-digit numbers can sign you up to paid services. Number X-Ray points out the free ones, such as 7726 for reporting scam texts.

Ordinary landlines, mobiles, 03 numbers and freephone 0800 and 0808 numbers get Looks safe. That only means the number type is normal, not that the person calling is honest. Caller ID can be faked, so a call can show your bank’s real number and still be a scammer. If a caller asks for money, a passcode or your card details, hang up and ring the number on the back of your card, ideally from another phone or after waiting five minutes.

Privacy

Number X-Ray uses built-in rules in your browser, based on the UK numbering plan and international dialling codes. It doesn’t look the number up anywhere, doesn’t call it, and nothing you type is sent, logged or stored. Refresh the page and it’s gone.

FAQ

Can it tell me who owns a number?

No. Number X-Ray never looks numbers up, so it can’t give you a name. It tells you what type of number it is, roughly where it’s from and what it costs to call, which is often enough to spot a scam.

Why does a real-looking number still get through?

Scammers can fake the caller ID on a call so it shows a genuine number, even your bank’s. Number X-Ray can only judge the number itself, so treat any unexpected call asking for money or details with suspicion, whatever number it shows.

Should I call back a missed call from abroad?

Not unless you know who it is. Genuine callers usually leave a message or try again. If you do want to check, look the company up yourself and use the number on its official website.

How do I report a scam call or text?

Forward scam texts free to 7726. You can report a scam call by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the number. If you’ve lost money or shared bank details, call your bank on the number on the back of your card or dial 159, then report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101).

Related: Catpool home, Security, Text X-Ray, Link X-Ray, Email X-Ray, QR X-Ray.