Ofcom is today proposing new measures to better protect people in the UK from international scam calls that falsely display UK mobile numbers.

Criminal gangs often impersonate trusted numbers, a practice known as ‘spoofing’, to increase the chances that their calls are answered. Fraudsters based overseas frequently spoof UK mobile numbers, knowing recipients are more likely to trust them than unfamiliar international numbers.

According to Ofcom research, 42% of phone users reported receiving a suspicious call between December 2024 and February 2025. People are significantly more likely to trust UK mobile numbers (+447) than calls from withheld or international numbers. In fact, 26% said they would likely answer a call from an unknown UK mobile number, compared with just 9% who would respond to a call from an unfamiliar international number.

Strengthening protections

Last year, Ofcom issued guidance requiring phone companies to block calls from overseas that falsely present a UK landline number, except in limited legitimate cases. However, calls spoofing UK mobile numbers have so far been exempt, to allow travellers abroad to display their UK mobile number when calling home.

We are now proposing a change: telecoms companies should withhold the caller ID on international calls that appear to come from a UK mobile number, unless they can verify the number is being used legitimately. This follows close work with industry to strike a balance between preventing fraud and preserving legitimate use.

Marina Gibbs, Ofcom’s Policy Director for Networks and Communications, said:

“Customers endure a barrage of scam calls, and the consequences of falling victim can be devastating. Criminal gangs exploit people when their guard is down.

“The measures we’ve already introduced have helped block around a million scam calls each day. But we’re not stopping there, these new proposals aim to strengthen the UK’s defences even further.”

Ofcom is inviting feedback on the consultation until 5pm on 13 October 2025, and plans to publish its final decision in early 2026.

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