In an ongoing effort to protect UK residents from scam calls, Ofcom has announced a new proposal aimed at tackling international phone fraud, specifically targeting spoofed UK mobile numbers.
What’s the Problem?
One of the most common tactics used by criminal gangs is number spoofing (faking caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted UK mobile number). Why? Because people are more likely to pick up when they see a local-looking number than one from an unfamiliar international code.
Ofcom’s latest research shows:
42% of phone users received a suspicious call in the past three months (as of February 2025).
26% said they would likely answer a call from an unrecognised UK mobile number.
Only 9% said they would pick up an unknown international number.
This trust in UK numbers is exactly what scammers are exploiting.
What’s Changing?
Currently, calls from abroad that appear to come from a UK landline are already being blocked unless verified. However, UK mobile numbers (like those beginning with +447) have been exempt, mostly to allow people travelling abroad to call home and still display their mobile number.
Now, Ofcom is proposing to close that loophole.
Under the new rules:
Telecoms companies would be required to block or withhold the caller ID of any UK mobile number originating from overseas unless it can be verified as legitimate.
This would make it significantly harder for fraudsters to spoof UK mobile numbers while still allowing legitimate roaming calls – as long as the caller can be verified.
How Immervox can help protect you from spam calls:
Crafty callers are getting smarter, but staying protected is easy when you plan ahead.
At Immervox, we take your security seriously. That’s why every UK number we provide is registered to a verified in-country address, improving both traceability and caller verification. This makes it much harder for fraudsters to spoof trusted UK mobile numbers.
If your number is hosted with us, we can even block suspicious calls before they reach you, giving you peace of mind and protecting your business.
We also offer expert cyber advice and practical training to help you and your team spot the tell-tale signs of spoofed calls, so you’re never caught off guard.
What You Can Do Right Now
Be cautious: Don’t automatically trust calls from UK mobile numbers you don’t recognise.
Report suspicious calls to your provider or to Action Fraud.
Keep updated: Follow Ofcom’s guidance and your telecom provider’s scam protection tips.
Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are the protections. Immervox are on hand to help you defend your digital privacy. Contact us today to see how our telecoms solutions can help you stay connected, secure, and compliant.
Ofcom new proposed regulations announcement: Cracking down on scam calls from abroad – Ofcom
