Major mobile network providers such as BT EE, VodafoneThree, and Virgin Media O2 are set to prevent foreign call centers from posing as banks in a new initiative to combat scams.

These mobile networks have committed to enhancing their systems within the next year to block the capability of foreign call centers to fake UK numbers.

Number spoofing, a technique used by scammers to mask their identity by altering their caller ID to appear legitimate, will no longer be possible with the upcoming crackdown, clearly indicating calls originating from overseas.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be utilized to detect and block suspicious calls and messages, while advanced call tracing technology will be provided to law enforcement to aid in tracking down scammers nationwide.

Among the companies participating in this endeavor are BT EE, Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky, and Comms Council UK (CCUK).

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Recent data indicates that 96% of mobile users determine whether to answer calls based on the displayed number, with three-quarters unlikely to pick up calls from unknown international numbers.

Fraud Minister, Lord Hanson, stated, “Scammers exploit spoofed calls to deceive the public using false identities and promises. The government is dedicated to combating fraud.

“Through a significant enhancement of our mobile network, call spoofing will be eradicated within a year, removing scammers’ tools to defraud individuals of their money.

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