Mobile operators such as BT EE, VodafoneThree, and Virgin Media O2 are taking action to prevent foreign call centers from impersonating banks in a new crackdown on scams. They have committed to upgrading their networks in the coming year to eliminate the ability of foreign call centers to spoof UK numbers.
Spoofing is a technique used by scammers to disguise their numbers and manipulate caller IDs to appear as trustworthy sources. The crackdown will ensure that calls originating from abroad are easily identifiable. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) will be utilized to detect and block suspicious calls and texts, while advanced call tracing technology will be provided to law enforcement to aid in tracking down scammers nationwide.
Major companies involved in this initiative include BT EE, Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky, and Comms Council UK (CCUK). Recent data reveals that 96% of mobile users decide whether to answer a call based on the displayed number, with most being hesitant to pick up calls from unknown international numbers.
Lord Hanson, the Minister for Fraud, emphasized the government’s commitment to combating fraud through the elimination of call spoofing within a year. This strategic move aims to dismantle the tools scammers exploit to defraud individuals of their money, enhancing protections for victims and making the UK a challenging environment for scammers to operate.
To report scams and fraud, individuals are encouraged to contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or visit the Action Fraud website. In Scotland, scams can be reported through Advice Direct Scotland at 0808 164 6000 or their website. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, while scam text messages can be sent to 7726 for free. Additionally, dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If you suspect a scam call, it is advised to hang up immediately and verify the caller’s contact details online. Never return calls to numbers provided by potential scammers. In case of suspected account breaches, contact your bank promptly and change any compromised passwords.