Mobile UK’s member networks, EE, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree, have signed a charter. The aim is to upgrade their networks to tackle foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers. This will make it clear that calls are originating from abroad, thereby exposing scammers.
Data shows that 96% of mobile users decide whether to answer a call based on the number displayed on their screen, with three-quarters unlikely to pick up if it’s from an unknown international number.
New UK Telecoms Charter
A landmark Charter between government and industry will see new measures to safeguard the UK’s mobile network from fraud. It will involve the implementation of cutting-edge technology to expose fraudsters and bring them to justice. This makes it harder than ever for criminals to trick people through scam calls.
These measures form part of the new Telecoms Charter. It brings together government and mobile networks to crack down on scam calls. Signatories include BT EE, Virgin Media 02, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky, and the Comms Council UK (CCUK).
Building on progress already made since 2021, the new agreement sets out clear commitments. It aims to keep the public’s hard-earned cash out of the hands of fraudsters as part of the Plan for Change.
Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson said: “Spoofed calls allow scammers to deceive the public with fake identities and false promises. This government is committed to tackling fraud.
“In a major upgrade of our mobile network, call spoofing will be eliminated within a year – stripping away the tools scammers use to cheat people out of their hard-earned cash.
“We’re stepping up our defences to protect victims and make sure the UK is the hardest place in the world for scammers to operate.”