Scam text rules change to protect mobile phone users: What you need to know about Ofcom rules

Millions of mobile phone users could soon be better protected from scam text messages and spoof phone calls under new rules.

We've all been targeted by dodgy text messages asking for cash and fraud costs consumers billions of pounds every year.

But mobile phone providers will now be required to do more to detect, block and disrupt fraudulent texts before they reach customers.

It's all part of changes brought in by communications regulator Ofcom which will also make it harder for criminals to impersonate legitimate businesses and UK phone numbers.

What is changing under new Ofcom rules?

Mobile providers must now take stronger action to stop scam messages before they reach customers.

This includes blocking phone numbers known to be used by scammers, as well as detecting and blocking scam text messages while they are travelling across mobile networks.

Reports from customers and anti-fraud organisations should be used to identify new scams more quickly.

And there will be limits on how many messages can be sent from pay-as-you-go SIM cards to make large-scale text scams harder to carry out.

Ofcom says the aim is to stop scams "at source" rather than relying on customers to spot them themselves.

How do scam messages work?

Scam text messages have become one of the most common ways criminals trick people into handing over money or personal information.

Fraud accounts for around a whopping 45% of all reported crime in England and Wales.

And criminals stole an estimated £1.28 billion during 2025.

Four in ten (40%) UK mobile users said they received at least one suspicious text message in the previous three months.

Scammers often pretend to be trusted organisations such as banks, delivery companies, government departments or utility providers, encouraging people to click fake links or make payments.

Some texts are more convincing than others and it can be hard to always spot the messages that are scams.

Businesses will face tougher checks

The new rules also target businesses that send bulk text messages.

Mobile operators and companies that transmit business text messages will now be expected to carry out stronger identity checks before allowing organisations to send messages.

These checks are designed to prevent criminals pretending to be legitimate businesses.

Providers will also need to verify business sender names and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.

There will need to be investigations on reports of fraud and fake business identities used in scam texts will need to be blocked.

How can you spot a scam text?

Although mobile providers will be blocking more fraudulent messages, you still need to be on your guard.

Red flags include:

• Messages asking you to click a link urgently.

• Requests to confirm bank details or passwords.

• Claims that a parcel cannot be delivered until you pay a fee.

• Unexpected tax refunds or government payments.

• Messages claiming a friend or family member needs money urgently from a new number.

If something doesn't feel right, contact the organisation directly using contact details from its official website rather than replying to the message.

What should you do if you receive a scam text?

If you receive a suspicious text message, don't click any links or reply.

Instead forward the message to 7726, the free reporting service used by all major UK mobile networks.

Delete the message and report phishing websites to the National Cyber Security Centre if appropriate.

Contact your bank immediately if you think you've shared financial information.

What are your rights if you've been scammed?

If you've transferred money to a fraudster, contact your bank immediately.

Many banks are signed up to reimbursement rules covering authorised push payment (APP) fraud, meaning you may be entitled to a refund depending on the circumstances of the scam.

If you've responded to a scam text and lost money or your accounts have been compromised, you should also report the incident to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland if you live in Scotland).

The sooner you report the scam, the greater the chance of limiting any financial loss.