The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has introduced new rules for mobile phone companies aimed at curbing the rising tide of text message scams. These measures require mobile operators to actively collect and block scam messages and suspicious numbers reported by customers and anti-fraud organizations.
Criminal enterprises are increasingly employing sophisticated mobile scams, often impersonating trusted entities like friends, parcel couriers, or government agencies. These tactics are used to solicit money, create fabricated emergencies, or obtain personal information. In England and Wales, fraud constitutes 45 percent of all reported crime, and this year, 40 percent of UK mobile users have reported receiving unusual text messages.
Under the new regulations, mobile firms are mandated to block phone numbers identified as being used by scammers. They must also prevent scam messages from being sent by detecting fraudulent activity and implementing volume limits on pay-as-you-go SIM cards. These prepaid SIM cards, often obtainable without identification or credit checks, have been a popular tool for scammers to reach large numbers of victims quickly.
Further measures target business messaging scams. Mobile companies will be required to conduct thorough due diligence checks on businesses, prevent the use of fake sender names, and implement incident management processes. The practice of 'spoofing,' where scammers alter sender IDs to mimic legitimate companies, is a key focus. Sender names for business messages must now clearly identify the originating entity, and mobile firms will verify this against their business information. For instance, a message claiming to be from a hairdresser should not be about parcel deliveries.
Ofcom also stated that mobile firms should withhold caller ID for international calls unless their validity can be confirmed, as scammers frequently imitate UK numbers to gain trust. Consumers who receive suspicious messages are advised not to engage but to forward them to 7726, a service that enables mobile providers to investigate and block numbers.
Amy Jordan, Ofcom's strategy delivery director, emphasized the significant impact of these scams and expressed confidence that the new protections, developed in collaboration with government, regulators, law enforcement, and industry partners, will effectively disrupt and block fraudulent activities at their source.