Ofcom’s Plan to Combat Scam Calls in the UK
We are all familiar with the increasing number of scam calls, and the UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is intensifying efforts to combat them.
If you have ever hesitated to pick up a call from an unknown UK mobile number, you are not alone. Ofcom’s latest strategy is aimed at tackling one of the most prevalent tactics employed by criminals: the manipulation, or ‘spoofing’, of a UK mobile number to lend credibility to their calls.
Marina Gibbs, Ofcom’s Policy Director for Networks and Communications, emphasized, ‘Consumers face a relentless stream of scam calls, and the repercussions when individuals fall victim can be catastrophic. This threat is not exclusive to a particular group, with criminal syndicates from various countries seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.’
While the collaborative efforts in place have already resulted in blocking a million scam calls daily, there is no single solution, and continuous innovation is key in the fight against fraud. The proposed measures aim to offer enhanced safeguards for individuals in the UK.
Scammers overseas understand that we are more likely to answer calls from familiar +44 numbers than international ones. Ofcom’s research demonstrates the high level of trust placed in local numbers. While only 10% of individuals would answer an unfamiliar international call, this percentage jumps to 25% if the fraudulent call seems to originate from a UK mobile number.
Ofcom has instructed phone companies to prohibit international calls that falsify a UK landline number. However, a loophole has allowed scammers to exploit UK mobile numbers, in part to avoid inconveniencing genuine customers using their phones abroad.
Now, the regulator aims to address this gap. The new proposal mandates that phone companies conceal the caller ID of any overseas call resembling a UK mobile number, unless its legitimacy is verified. Cybersecurity experts welcome this overdue step.
Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, commented, ‘Scam calls are not a novel form of crime and the existing methods to combat them fall short. It is positive to see Ofcom addressing the issue and exerting pressure on telecom providers to enhance customer protection.’
Briedis cautioned that these calls often pave the way for severe financial fraud. The objective is to deceive individuals into divulging personal information that can be exploited in a ‘SIM-swapping’ scheme.
Explaining the process, Briedis stated, ‘A successful SIM-swapping attack allows a criminal to intercept calls and messages meant for the victim, potentially granting access to the victim’s online accounts.’
While the proposed regulations could have a significant impact, immediate actions can be taken to safeguard oneself. Briedis suggests engaging with your mobile service provider to explore services like EE’s Scam Guard or utilizing a reputable third-party call-blocking application. At the very least, if you identify a call as a scam, promptly block the number.
Ofcom is soliciting feedback on its plan until October 13, 2025, with a final decision expected early next year.
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