Sunday, December 22, 2024

Mobile phone providers ordered to crack down on scam calls

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In 2024, the proportion of UK landline users reporting a suspicious call over the last three months stood at 48pc, down from 56pc in 2021.

Mobile phone users also reported a decrease in receiving suspicious calls, from 45pc to 39pc over the same period.

In addition to the crackdown on scam calls, the regulator is seeking evidence from providers to help disrupt mobile messaging scams.

Under its new remit as online safety regulator, Ofcom will also look to tackle scams and fraud on online and app-based services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said: “Criminals who defraud people by exploiting phone networks cause huge distress and financial harm to their victims. While there’s encouraging signs that scam calls and texts are declining, they remain widespread and we’re keeping our foot to the throttle to find new and innovative ways to tackle the problem.

“Under our strengthened industry guidance, millions more scam calls from abroad which use spoofed UK landline numbers will be blocked – with similar plans under way for calls which spoof UK mobile numbers. 

“We’re also challenging the industry and other interested parties to provide evidence on the best solutions to tackle mobile messaging scams.”

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