Mobile phone users across the UK are set to receive significantly stronger protection against a rising tide of text message scams, thanks to a major new regulatory package announced by Ofcom.
What Are The New Anti-Scam Measures?
The communications regulator has proposed a set of strict new rules that will compel mobile operators to take more robust action against fraudsters. The planned measures, first unveiled last month, are a direct response to the spate of sophisticated scams currently sweeping the nation.
Under the new framework, mobile providers must set volume limits for pay-as-you-go SIM cards, which are often exploited by criminals. Furthermore, they will be required to block numbers already identified as being used by scammers and to intercept and block scam messages while they are in transit.
Industry-Wide Crackdown on Fraud
The rules extend beyond just mobile network operators. Ofcom has also stipulated that 'aggregators' – the companies that transmit bulk messages for businesses – must conduct thorough due diligence checks. These checks will be required both upfront and on an ongoing basis.
These aggregators will also be mandated to prevent the use of fake sender names, a common tactic used to lend credibility to fraudulent messages, and to block identified scam messages in transit.
Amy Jordan, Strategy Delivery Director at Ofcom, emphasised the importance of these steps in a statement. “Messaging scams can have a devastating impact on their victims,” she said. “Our plans will ensure that mobile firms consistently apply proven measures to thwart these crimes. That means locking scammers out of networks and blocking hundreds of millions more scams from getting through to people and businesses each year.”
Expert Reaction and Consumer Advice
The proposed regulations have been welcomed by industry experts. Simrat Sharma, a mobiles expert at Uswitch, commented, “We strongly welcome Ofcom's proposal to impose tougher rules on mobile providers to clamp down on the tide of scam messages flooding the UK.”
Sharma noted that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for consumers to protect themselves. He described Ofcom's intervention as a “crucial step in raising industry standards and disrupting scammers’ operations.” The final measures are expected to be confirmed next summer following a consultation period.
Despite these new network-level protections, consumers are urged to remain vigilant. Sharma advised following a simple three-step method if you receive a suspicious message: ‘Stop, Check and Call Back.’ He also encouraged people to talk openly about their experiences to help build a united front against these criminals.
