Virgin O2, Vodafone, three and others announce major change for next year

The new crackdown will make it clear that calls are coming from abroad

Mobile networks including BT EE, Vodafone, Three, and Virgin Media O2 are set to block foreign call centres from impersonating banks as part of a new crackdown on scams. These mobile networks have pledged to upgrade their systems within the next year to eliminate the ability for foreign call centres to spoof UK numbers.

Spoofing is a technique used by scammers to disguise their number and alter their caller ID to appear as a trusted source. This new initiative will make it clear that calls are originating from overseas. Artificial intelligence will also be utilised to identify and block suspicious calls and texts, with advanced call tracing technology being made available to police forces across the country to help track down fraudsters.

Companies that have committed to this initiative include BT EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky and Comms Council UK (CCUK), reports the Mirror. Recent data reveals 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 is an unknown international number.

The Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson, commented: “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.”

How to report scams

If you have been targeted by a scam or fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit the Action Fraud website. For those residing in Scotland, report any scams to Advice Direct Scotland at 0808 164 6000 or via the Advice Direct Scotland website. Scams can also be reported to Police Scotland on 101.

To report scam emails, forward them to report@phishing. gov.uk. For scam text messages, forward them to 7726 free of charge. Dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

If you suspect you are receiving a call from a scammer, hang up immediately and look up the official contact details of the organisation they claim to represent online. Never dial back the number provided by the caller.

If you believe a fraudster has gained access to your bank account, contact your bank immediately. You can reach your bank through the 159 hotline. Change any passwords that have been leaked or compromised without delay.