New Ofcom Rules Target Scam Texts: A Major Step Forward

Understanding the New Proposed Regulations

In a bold move to tackle the insidious problem of scam texts, Ofcom—the UK's communications watchdog—has proposed new rules that aim to drastically reduce such fraudulent communications. This initiative is not merely reactive; it seeks to enhance the proactive measures already taken by mobile networks to protect consumers and businesses from increasingly sophisticated scams.

According to Ofcom, these regulations are intended to close critical gaps that have allowed scammers to operate with relative impunity. Amy Jordan, Ofcom's strategy delivery director, emphasized the need for consistency across mobile firms in implementing effective measures. She stated, "Our plans will ensure that mobile firms consistently apply proven measures to thwart these crimes."

A Growing Threat

The scale of the problem cannot be understated. In the year leading up to April 2025, over 100 million scam texts were reported to network operators, affecting half of all UK mobile users during a recent three-month period. Despite the proactive measures already taken—such as blocking around 600 million scam texts annually—Ofcom's new regulations strive to further enhance the safety of mobile communication.

The Nature of Scam Texts

Scammers typically employ two primary methods to trick their victims:

• Person-to-Person Scams: These involve impersonating family members or friends, often claiming to be in urgent situations that require financial assistance.
• Business Messaging Scams: In these instances, scammers pose as reputable businesses, such as delivery services, enticing people to click on fraudulent links.

“Scammers exploit the vulnerabilities of everyday people. Our aim is to reduce their ability to succeed,” Jordan added.

Proposed Solutions

To address the menace of business messaging scams, Ofcom is recommending the following measures:

• Conducting thorough checks on new business message senders before and during their operation.
• Enhancing network provider capabilities to prevent the use of fake sender names.
• Holding companies accountable for not following through on proper vetting procedures.
• Establishing mechanisms for blocking scam messages while they are in transit.

To counteract person-to-person scams, Ofcom suggests measures such as:

• Implementing limits on the volume of texts that can be sent from pay-as-you-go SIM cards to minimize mass scam campaigns.
• Developing a systematic approach to report and block the numbers associated with scam activities.
• Encouraging network providers to enhance their identification processes for scam messages within their systems.

Public Engagement and Next Steps

Ofcom is currently soliciting public feedback on these proposed measures until January 28, 2026, with the anticipation of finalizing regulations by the summer of the same year. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to report scam texts by sending the message to 7726, a valuable tool for networks to monitor the prevalence of these scams.

A Look Ahead

The need for enhanced protections against scam texts highlights a larger conversation about digital security in our everyday lives. With technology continuously evolving, so too do the tactics employed by scammers. As consumers, we must remain vigilant and informed, understanding that while regulations like those proposed by Ofcom are crucial, our awareness plays a pivotal role in protecting ourselves and our communities.

This proposed initiative represents a significant step toward creating a safer environment for all mobile users in the UK. As we await the final decisions and implementations, we must remain cautious yet hopeful that the collective effort can effectively curtail the disruption that these scams cause.