- Looks like
- A mobile (07...)
- Actually is
- A personal 'follow-me' number
- Cost to call
- Can be far higher than a mobile
- Risk level
- High - common scam disguise
What are 070 personal numbers?
070 numbers are personal numbering or 'follow-me' numbers. They are designed to forward calls to wherever you are, but crucially they are not mobile numbers, despite starting with 07.
Who uses 070 numbers?
Personal numbers were intended for people who wanted a single contact number that could follow them between phones. In practice they are now rare and are notorious for being misused.
How much do 070 numbers cost to call?
Calls to 070 numbers can be much more expensive than calling a mobile - sometimes up to around 50p per minute plus access charge. Ofcom has tightened the rules, but the cost still catches people out who assume 07 means 'mobile'.
Scam & cost warnings
070 numbers are a classic scam disguise: a fraudster can make a number look like a mobile while charging you a premium when you call back. Be very cautious about returning a call to any 070 number.
How to check a 070 number
Not sure about a number you’ve been given or called by? Paste it into the
UK phone number checker — it identifies the
type, the area (for geographic numbers) and the provider Ofcom allocated the range
to, using official data refreshed every Wednesday. Numbers in this range look like 070 0900 0000; paste a full number into the checker above to identify it.
Had an unexpected call from an 070 number and want to know whether it’s safe to ring back? See our plain-English guide: Who called me from an 070 number?