- Ofcom is consulting on new guidance to block calls that spoof UK mobile numbers (+447) from abroad unless they can be verified, addressing high-risk fraud.
- The step builds on earlier landline protections but may impact roaming users, underscoring the need for careful technical and regulatory balance.
What happened: Ofcom targets scam calls faking UK mobile numbers
The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has proposed new rules to tackle international scam calls that spoof UK mobile numbers (+447). This follows earlier measures that blocked calls impersonating UK landlines. Now, Ofcom wants telecom operators to withhold mobile caller IDs on calls from abroad unless the number’s authenticity can be verified. Research shows that 42% of UK users received suspicious calls in February 2025, and 26% are likely to answer such calls believing them to be genuine.
Ofcom’s proposal follows successful actions by BT, which reportedly blocked up to 1 million spoofed calls daily after voluntarily applying previous landline protection rules. The new measures cover roaming calls that appear to come from a UK number, addressing a loophole in current protection schemes. The regulator has launched a consultation, open until 13 October 2025, with a final decision expected in early 2026.
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Why it’s important
By blocking spoofed mobile numbers, Ofcom aims to reduce the risk of fraud from seemingly local calls. Users are more likely to trust a familiar prefix, making mobile spoofing particularly dangerous. While older measures have helped block landline spoofing, mobile calls present fresh vulnerabilities, especially for consumers who rely on caller ID for trust.
However, implementing these rules may require technical updates by telecom providers and could interfere with legitimate roaming users if not carefully managed. Ofcom’s consultation seeks to balance protection from fraud with the needs of genuine callers abroad. The success of this initiative will likely depend on clear guidance from regulators and providers’ technical readiness.
