Sky Phone Scam Warning: Reports Rise 124% in January 2026

A new Sky phone scam warning has been issued after scam call reports rose 124% in January 2026, according to Phonely’s latest analysis.

Our analysis of scam reports submitted to the Who Called Me platform reveals submissions increased from 191 in December to 427 in January. This increase aligns with wider fraud patterns we predicted earlier this year in our Scam predictions for 2026 where we highlighted the growing use of impersonation and urgency-based tactics.

The calls typically claim to offer “loyalty discounts”, contract renewals, or urgent broadband upgrades, before asking for personal or banking details.

The sharp rise suggests fraudsters are actively targeting broadband, TV and mobile customers at the start of the year, when many households are reviewing bills and looking for savings.

All figures are based on reports submitted directly to Phonely’s Who Called Me reporting platform.

Sky Scam Calls Surge 124% in One Month

January’s spike represents a significant escalation in activity.

• December reports: 191
• January reports: 427
• Increase: 124%

This latest Sky phone scam warning highlights how quickly impersonation campaigns can escalate.

Many callers specifically impersonated representatives from Sky, using familiar branding and scripted language to appear legitimate.

How the Sky Phone Scam Works

While individual calls vary slightly, the structure of the scam is remarkably consistent.

1. The “Helpful” Opening

Scammers often begin with:

• An offer of a loyalty discount
• A claim that your contract is expiring
• A broadband speed upgrade
• A reduced monthly bill

The tone is reassuring and professional, designed to build trust.

2. Creating Urgency

Once interest is established, the caller may say:

• The offer is available “today only”
• Your service could be interrupted
• The discount must be processed immediately

This urgency is designed to reduce the chance you’ll pause to verify the call.

3. Requesting Sensitive Information

The final stage typically involves asking for:

• Full banking details
• Card numbers
• Account login information
• Personal verification details

At this point, the scam becomes clear, but by then, some victims may already have shared information.

Why Traditional Call Blockers Struggle to Keep Up

One of the biggest challenges with this surge is the way scammers operate.

Over 1,000 Numbers Used in Six Months

Phonely’s data shows more than 1,000 different phone numbers have appeared in Sky-related scam reports in the past six months.

Fraudsters frequently use internet-based calling systems (VoIP), allowing them to:

• Rotate numbers constantly
• Spoof UK area codes
• Launch large-scale dialling campaigns

The Real Issue: Update Frequency

Many traditional auto call blockers rely on number lists that are:

• Updated periodically rather than continuously
• Refreshed weekly, or sometimes less often
• Limited to known, historic scam numbers

When scam numbers are changing rapidly, infrequent updates create a gap in protection.

By the time a number is added to a blocking list, fraudsters may already be using a new one.

How Phonely’s Auto Call Blocking Works Differently

Phonely’s approach focuses on frequent updates and shared protection through its call blocking feature.

Every number reported on the Who Called Me platform is:

1. Checked and reviewed
2. Marked as scam where appropriate
3. Added to Phonely’s blocking system

Updates are made several times a day, meaning protection adapts as new reports come in.

Once verified, a scam number is blocked for all Phonely customers, so you’re protected automatically, without having to lift a finger.

That difference in update frequency is critical when dealing with fast-moving scam campaigns.

How to Stay Safe from Sky Phone Scams

This Sky phone scam warning serves as a reminder to always verify unexpected discount offers.If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Sky:

✔ What To Do

• Hang up if you feel unsure
• Contact Sky directly using official contact details
• Check suspicious numbers on Who Called Me
• Report scam calls to help protect others

✖ What Not To Do

• Don’t share full banking details during an unsolicited call
• Don’t feel pressured into immediate decisions
• Don’t trust offers that require urgent payment verification

Remember: genuine providers will not pressure you into sharing full banking information during an unexpected call.

For more scam prevention tips and emerging fraud tactics, check out our Scam Predictions for 2026 blog.