Mobile phone users to be 'better protected' from text message scams under new rules

Mobile phone users are set to be better protected from text message scams, under new rules for providers to follow. Regulator Ofcom has announced a package of planned measures to "significantly" drive up customer protections and build on the "most effective" existing initiatives.

Fraudsters can exploit mobile messaging services to reach victims on a mass scale, manipulating them into making payments or sharing sensitive information. People and businesses lose money and suffer either nuisance or distress due to these scams. Half of UK mobile users (50%) said they received a suspicious message between November 2024 and February 2025 by text or iMessage. An estimated 100 million suspicious messages were reported to mobile operators through the 7726 service in the year to April 2025.

Many mobile providers have taken steps in recent years to identify and prevent scam messages in circulation, blocking an estimated 600 million plus each year.

Despite this action, scammers have still managed to distribute millions of fraudulent text messages, causing significant harm and distress to victims.

To tackle person-to-person messaging scams, Ofcom has proposed that mobile providers must:

• Set volume limits for pay-as-you-go SIM cards: This will make it harder for scammers to message large numbers of potential victims at once;
• Block numbers used by scammers: Providers must use scam reports from customers and third parties - such as law enforcement - about phone numbers and web links that are being used to perpetrate scams. They must then prevent scammers from sending messages from these numbers;
• Block scam messages in transit: Providers must identify and block scam messages being carried on their networks by detecting malicious sender IDs, weblinks, and phone numbers.

To prevent business messaging scams, Ofcom has propoed that mobile operators and 'aggregators' that transmit businesses' mobile messages "conduct upfront and ongoing due diligence checks, prevent the use of fake sender names, and block the scam messages in transit."

Amy Jordan, strategy delivery director at Ofcom, said: "Messaging scams can have a devastating impact on their victims. Our plans will ensure that mobile firms consistently apply proven measures to thwart these crimes. That means locking scammers out of networks and blocking hundreds of millions more scams from getting through to people and businesses each year."

Ofcom is inviting feedback on its proposals by January 28, with expectations to publish its final decision in the summer.

Industry experts have welcomed the proposed rules so far, describing the refroms as "a crucial step in raising industry standards".

Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: "We strongly welcome Ofcom's proposal to impose tougher rules on mobile providers to clamp down on the tide of scam messages flooding the UK.

"Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder than ever for consumers to stay protected. The proposed regulation is a crucial step in raising industry standards and disrupting scammers' operations, with final measures expected next summer following Ofcom's consultation.

"While stronger protections at the network level are vital, consumers must remain vigilant. If you receive an unexpected or suspicious message or call, our advice is always to follow our simple three-step method: 'Stop, Check and Call Back.'

If you've received a scam text, you can forward it for free to the '7726' service, which helps your network operator flag and potentially disable the number for others. Customers can also check their provider's website or contact them directly to understand what protections are available.

Ms Sharma added: "We urge everyone to use these tools and talk openly about their experiences to help build a united front against these criminals."

Here is Uswitch's three-step method for those who receive a suspicious message:

• Stop: No matter how urgent the caller or message claims the situation is, remember you can always hang up and take a moment to pause.
• Check: Take a moment to check the situation. Never share personal or financial information with an unverified caller or messenger. Look up an official number for the person or business that supposedly contacted you.
• Call Back: Call back the official number you found yourself, and ask if the situation is legitimate. Genuine companies, friends, and family will understand this is a necessary step to protect yourself.