Scam calls and messages

Phones-scam

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.

Call for input: Options to address mobile spoofing

Published: 29 July 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.

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

PDF file, 336.63 KB

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.

Call for input: Reducing mobile messaging scams

Published: 29 July 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.

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.

Top tips to stay safe from the scammers

Published: 12 February 2024

Scams have been on the rise in recent years. Read our top tips for protecting yourself from scammers.

Coronavirus scam calls and texts

Published: 31 March 2022

Last updated: 7 February 2024

We have received reports of scam calls and texts relating to the coronavirus, or Covid-19.

Back to top