Scam texts are still a big problem for people and businesses across the UK. Ofcom is now proposing tougher rules to help stop scammers in their tracks and keep everyone safer.
Cracking down on person-to-person scams
To make it harder for criminals to send out large volumes of scam texts, mobile providers will have to:
- Limit message volumes on pay-as-you-go SIMs, so scammers can’t target thousands of people at once
- Block known scam numbers using information from customers, authorities and other trusted sources
- Stop scam messages mid-route by detecting and blocking suspicious sender names, links or numbers before they reach your phone.
Protecting business messaging
Scammers often pose as trusted brands to trick people into sharing personal details. To prevent this, Ofcom is proposing that mobile operators and message “aggregators” must:
Check who’s sending messages – and keep checking
Providers must run thorough “Know Your Customer” checks before allowing any business to send messages, and keep monitoring their activity over time. This includes reviewing traffic patterns and acting quickly on any reports of suspicious or fraudulent behaviour.
At bOnline, “Know Your Customer” is already something we take very seriously. We protect honest businesses and their customers by making sure every account on their network belongs to a verified, trustworthy user.
Verify sender names
Scammers often use fake business names (called “Alphanumeric Sender IDs”) to make their texts look genuine. Providers will need to confirm that each sender name actually matches the verified business – for instance, making sure a supposed hair salon isn’t sending out parcel delivery messages. Networks should also manage and protect lists of approved and generic sender names such as “Customer Service.”
Act fast when fraud is found
If any scam activity is uncovered, providers must investigate, remove the bad actors, and hold businesses accountable if they haven’t carried out proper checks.
Stop scams before they’re delivered
Networks will be required to detect and block messages containing known scam links, phone numbers or suspicious sender details before they ever reach a customer’s phone.
Raising the bar for mobile security
These updates aim to make mobile networks safer for everyone, closing current security gaps, keeping scammers at bay and reducing the number of fake messages reaching UK phones.
“For months, we’ve been raising this urgent issue that mobile carriers are facilitating fraud by allowing fraudsters to easily send bulk SMS scam email without any KYC (Know Your Client) checks or any oversight on messages they’re sending”, said Anthony Karibian, bOnline CEO.
“This is an easy problem to solve using AI and basic security tools which BT and mobile carriers have ignored. We therefore support Ofcom’s efforts and urge them to implement these changes and hold all SMS providers to a higher standard once and for all.”
Ofcom is now welcoming feedback on these proposals until the 28th January, with final decisions expected in the summer.
How to report a scam
Fighting scams takes teamwork from the police, Government, regulators and the telecoms industry. But everyone has a part to play.
If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to 7726 (that’s “SPAM” on your keypad). This free service alerts your mobile provider so they can track scam activity and strengthen their network protection.
A quick report from you helps stop scammers in their tracks and keeps small businesses and individuals safe.
