Statement: Combatting mobile messaging scams

We are implementing new rules to significantly reduce the risk that scam mobile messages are sent on mobile networks.

Protecting people and businesses from the harms caused by scams is a priority for Ofcom. Scammers use mobile messaging services to reach potential victims at a mass scale and to pressure and manipulate them into making payments or sharing sensitive information - often alongside scam phone calls, online messages, social media posts, paid-for adverts or emails. This criminal activity causes significant financial and emotional harm to UK people and businesses and damages their confidence in vital communications services.

Many telecoms companies have been proactive in disrupting scam mobile messages in recent years. However, industry must do more to protect people and businesses.

We are implementing new rules and guidance for mobile operators and business messaging aggregators. Our rules draw on existing best practice in the mobile sector and are intended to both prevent scammers from accessing mobile messaging services and to stop their activities where they have gained access. Our rules address gaps in industry’s existing counter-scam measures and reduce the risk that people and businesses receive scam mobile messages.