The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has introduced tougher cybersecurity rules that will require mobile network operators to do more to protect consumers from scam text messages and caller ID spoofing.
The new measures aim to strengthen the country’s defences against mobile fraud by forcing operators to detect, block and investigate suspicious messages before they reach customers.
Under the new regulations, mobile operators must collect intelligence on scam messages, suspicious phone numbers and malicious web links from customers and anti-fraud organisations.
They will be required to use this information to identify and block fraudulent text messages moving across their networks.
Businesses sending bulk SMS messages will also face stricter verification requirements. Mobile operators and messaging providers must carry out Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before allowing businesses to send messages and continue monitoring accounts for unusual activity.
The rules are designed to stop criminals from impersonating legitimate organisations through fake sender names, known as Alphanumeric Sender IDs.
If suspicious activity is detected, providers must immediately block the sender and investigate the incident.
Ofcom is also targeting international caller ID spoofing, a tactic commonly used by scammers to make overseas calls appear as though they originate from trusted UK mobile numbers.
Under updated guidance, telecom companies should withhold the caller’s identity on international calls claiming to come from UK mobile numbers unless the number can be verified.
The move is expected to make it more difficult for fraudsters to carry out voice phishing attacks by disguising their true location.
According to Ofcom, while many mobile operators already have anti-fraud systems in place, the level of protection varies across the industry.
The regulator estimates that UK networks already intercept more than 600 million scam messages every year, but believes a consistent national standard will close remaining security gaps.
Amy Jordan, Ofcom’s Strategy Delivery Director, said mobile scams continue to evolve.
“Mobile messaging scams can have devastating consequences for victims, with criminal gangs using ever more sophisticated techniques to dupe their victims.”
She added that the new rules are intended to disrupt criminal activity before fraudulent messages reach consumers.
The tougher regulations come as fraud continues to rise across the UK.
According to Ofcom:
- Nearly 40% of UK mobile users received at least one suspicious text message during a recent three-month period.
- Fraud now accounts for around 45% of all reported crime in England and Wales.
- Victims lost an estimated £1.28 billion to fraud during 2025.
The City of London Police welcomed the new measures, saying they will help prevent criminals from exploiting UK mobile numbers to target unsuspecting victims.
Combined with the UK government’s ban on SIM farms and wider industry commitments under the Fraud Sector Charter, Ofcom believes the new regulations will significantly reduce scam calls and fraudulent text messages across the country’s mobile networks.
Main Image: Telecoms
