Top mobile networks, including BT, EE, Vodafone, Three, and Virgin Media O2, are set to implement a series of new measures aimed at protecting consumers from fraud, following a new Telecoms Charter established in collaboration with the UK government.
Among the initiatives, these telecom companies have pledged to upgrade their networks within the next year to prevent foreign call centers from spoofing UK numbers, ensuring that the origin of calls is clear to users.
Data indicates that 96% of mobile users base their decision to answer a call on the number shown on their screen, with three-quarters unlikely to respond to unknown international numbers.
Additionally, advanced call tracing technology will be deployed across mobile networks, providing police with the necessary intelligence to track down scammers operating nationwide.
The networks are also planning to introduce AI tools that can identify and block suspicious calls and texts, effectively stopping scammers before they reach users’ devices.
Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, stated: “Spoofed calls allow scammers to deceive the public with fake identities and false promises. With this significant upgrade to our mobile network, call spoofing will be eliminated within a year – removing the tools scammers use to cheat people out of their hard-earned money.”