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Mobile networks including BT EE, VodafoneThree and Virgin Media O2 will block foreign call centres from impersonating banks as part of a new scams crackdown. Mobile networks have promised to upgrade their network within the next year to eliminate the ability for foreign call centres to spoof UK numbers. Number spoofing is where scammers use technology to disguise their number and change their caller ID to make it look like they are a trusted source. The new crackdown will make it clear that calls are coming from abroad. AI will also be deployed to identify and block suspicious calls and texts, and advanced call tracing technology will be rolled out to police to help them track down scammers across the country. Companies that have signed up include BT EE, Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky and Comms Council UK (CCUK). Latest data shows 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. 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.” Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website. If you're in Scotland , report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. For scam emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk, and for scam text messages, forward them to 7726 for free. You can report dodgy websites to the National Cyber Security Centre . If you suspect a scammer is calling you, hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you're supposedly being called from. Never call back the number provided by the caller. Contact your bank straight away if you think a fraudster has got access to your account. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately.
