New blocking requirements to protect consumers from scam calls from abroad
Published: 29 January 2025
Phone providers must now all block calls from abroad which imitate UK landline numbers, under strengthened industry guidance which has now come into force.
Call for input: Options to address mobile spoofing
Published: 29 July 2024
Last updated: 6 December 2024
Protecting consumers from harm caused by scams facilitated by phone calls is a priority for Ofcom. A common tactic used by scammers is to ‘spoof’ telephone numbers to disguise the origination of the call, or to make their call appear to be from a trusted person or organisation.
Call for input: Reducing mobile messaging scams
Published: 29 July 2024
Last updated: 6 December 2024
This Call for input covers Short Message Service (SMS) and Rich Communications Services (RCS). Both require a user’s mobile telephone number in order to deliver a message over the mobile network and therefore are directly in scope of Ofcom’s telecoms regulatory powers and duties.
Seasonal scams to watch out for
Published: 27 November 2024
At this time of year it pays to be extra vigilant when it comes to scams. So, we wanted to remind you of a few common scams to watch out for, to help you avoid falling victim.
Clamping down on scam calls from abroad
Published: 29 July 2024
People will be better protected against scammers who call from abroad and imitate UK landline numbers, under strengthened industry guidance introduced by Ofcom today.
Experiences of suspicious calls, texts and app messages
Published: 29 July 2024
In 2021 and 2022 Ofcom conducted research which looked at measures that could be taken by industry to prevent suspicious calls and messages reaching consumers. In 2024, research was conducted to update the previous research by exploring experiences of suspicious calls, texts and app messages.
Experiences of Suspicious Calls, Texts and App Messages Research 2024
Published: 29 July 2024
Tackling scam calls and texts
Published: 23 February 2022
Last updated: 29 July 2024
How Ofcom is responding to the widespread problem of scam calls and texts.
Statement: Tackling scam calls – expecting providers to block more calls with spoofed numbers
Published: 1 February 2024
Last updated: 29 July 2024
We are proposing to update our Calling Line Identification guidance to confirm that providers are expected to identify and block scam calls.
How to report scam texts and mobile calls to 7726
Published: 14 February 2024
Find out how to report an unwanted or scam text or mobile call to your provider using the free 7726 service.