Mobile UK’s member networks, EE, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree, have committed to upgrade their networks to tackle foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers, making it clear that calls are originating from abroad and exposing scammers.  

Data shows that 96% of mobile users decide whether to answer a call based on the number displayed on their screen, with three-quarters unlikely to pick up if it's from an unknown international number.  

A landmark Charter between government and industry will see new measures to safeguard the UK’s mobile network from fraud. It will involve the implementation of cutting-edge technology to expose fraudsters and bring them to justice, making it harder than ever for criminals to trick people through scam calls,.  

These measures form part of the new Telecoms Charter, bringing together government and mobile networks to crack down on scam calls. Signatories include BT EE, Virgin Media 02, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky and the Comms Council UK (CCUK).  

Building on progress already made since 2021, the new agreement sets out clear commitments to keep the public’s hard-earned cash out of the hands of fraudsters as part of the Plan for Change. The upcoming Fraud Strategy will build on this work to unite industry, disrupt criminal networks and better protect the public.  

Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson said:  

“Spoofed calls allow scammers to deceive the public with fake identities and false promises. This government is committed to tackling fraud.

“In a major upgrade of our mobile network, call spoofing will be eliminated within a year - stripping away the tools scammers use to cheat people out of their hard-earned cash.  

“We’re stepping up our defences to protect victims and make sure the UK is the hardest place in the world for scammers to operate.”  

Brian Webb, Chair, Communications Crime Strategy Group | CSO, BT/EE  

“Fraud is a threat to us all. And so we must all act to tackle it. As the voice of crime and security for the telecommunications sector, the Communications Crime Strategy Group are glad to play our part.  

“Through the actions we’ve agreed in this Charter, the telecoms sector will make the UK a harder target for fraudsters, and a safer place for the public. The actions that we have committed to will deliver real change - from expanding trusted data sharing and enhancing call security, to using artificial intelligence responsibly, and supporting victims with compassion and speed.  

"Together, these commitments form a promise: that the telecoms industry will play its full part in tackling the fraud epidemic that the UK faces.”  

Rachel Andrews, Corporate Security and Fraud Director | Vodafone Three  

"Vodafone and Three block millions of scam texts and fraudulent calls for their customers every day. The second Telecommunications Fraud Charter will take this even further, strengthening how we work across the industry and with government to stay one step ahead of criminals. By combining data, collaboration and innovation, we can keep people and businesses safe and build the trusted, secure digital networks the UK depends on every day."  

Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention | Virgin Media O2  

"Fraud has a devasting impact on its victims and costs the telecoms industry many millions of pounds each year. We’re committed to preventing fraud and to date, we’ve blocked more than 1 billion scam texts from reaching our customers and are using AI to flag 50 million scam calls every month.  

“No industry alone can completely prevent fraud but by working across sectors we can stop scams, disrupt organised gangs and help people protect themselves. We’re playing our part and urge government to match our resolve in the forthcoming Fraud Strategy by providing law enforcement with the resources needed to bring fraudsters to justice.”  

Claire Gillies, CEO at BT’s Consumer Division  

"Protecting BT, EE and Plusnet customers from scams and fraud is an imperative for us. To be the network customers can trust we have developed cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions to keep everyone safe. We're proud that in 2025, we're blocking 3 million scams a day across our network and continuing to innovate at pace to protect our customers from the growing threat of fraud. This second fraud charter is an important and timely intervention for the telecoms industry. It’s vital that we collaborate as an industry to protect the nation from this growing crime.  

Tracey Wright, Chair of Comms Council UK  

"The launch of the second Telecommunications Fraud Charter marks a significant step forward in the fight against fraud in our sector. We are proud to support this initiative, which brings together government and industry to deliver real, lasting change for consumers and businesses alike. As part of the Charter, we commit to continue to release best practice guidance to our membership that will raise standards and reduce opportunities for fraudulent behaviour using voice and telephony. The Charter’s overall message around collaborative data sharing, advanced technology solutions, and unified public messaging will strengthen our collective defences and help disrupt fraudulent activity at scale."

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