New rules mean better protection from scam texts: here's what you need to know

Have you ever received a dodgy message on your phone telling you to click a link, share your details, or make an urgent payment, and wondered whether it was genuine?

Most of us have. Scam text messages are becoming increasingly common, but new rules introduced by Ofcom are designed to give you better protection.

The new measures will help block, limit and disrupt the criminal gangs that use mobile messaging services to target people across the UK.

What are scam text messages?

Scam text messages, often called ‘smishing’, are fake SMS messages designed to trick you into giving away personal information or sending money.

These messages often create a false sense of urgency. They may pretend to be from your bank, the government, a delivery company, or another organisation you trust, encouraging you to click a link or act immediately.

How will the new rules protect you?

Many mobile providers already work to detect and block scam messages, but they continue to cause stress, financial loss and inconvenience.

According to Ofcom, four in 10 (40%)of  UK mobile users received at least one suspicious text message in the past three months.

To better protect you, Ofcom now requires mobile providers to do more to identify and stop scam messages before they reach your phone.

Under the new rules, providers must collect information about scam messages, malicious web links and suspicious phone numbers from customers and anti-fraud organisations. They must then:

• block phone numbers known to be used by scammers
• stop criminals from sending messages from those numbers
• detect and block scam messages containing malicious links or suspicious phone numbers while they are travelling across their networks

Mobile providers must also introduce limits on the number of messages that can be sent from pay-as-you-go SIM cards. This makes it much harder for criminals to send thousands of scam texts in a short period of time.

More protection from scam calls

The new measures don't just cover text messages.

Ofcom has also strengthened its guidance to help protect you from international scam calls that appear to come from UK mobile numbers.

Criminals based overseas often ‘spoof’ UK phone numbers because people are more likely to answer a familiar-looking number than an international one.

Under the strengthened guidance, telecoms companies should withhold the caller ID for calls that appear to come from a UK mobile phone roaming abroad unless they can verify that the number is genuine.

You should still be wary when answering calls from withheld or unfamiliar numbers. While many are legitimate, it's always worth taking a moment to verify who is calling before sharing any personal or financial information.

How you can help stop scammers

You can play an important role in helping stop scams.

If you receive a suspicious text message, forward it to 7726. This free reporting service allows mobile providers to identify scam campaigns and strengthen their network protections.

How you can stay safe

Even with stronger protections in place, it's still important to stay alert.

Don't click links in unexpected messages

Scammers often include links that lead to fake websites or install malware on your device.

If you need to make a payment or check an account, go directly to the organisation's official website or app instead of using the link in the message.

Don't let yourself be rushed

Scammers rely on creating panic and urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.

Take your time. If something doesn't feel right, stop and check before you act.

Be wary of unexpected contact

If someone contacts you unexpectedly by text, phone or email asking for money, personal information or urgent action, treat it with suspicion.

Don't use the phone numbers or links they provide. Instead, contact the organisation using details from its official website or app.

If it sounds too good to be true...

It probably is.

Unexpected prizes, unbelievable offers or investment opportunities promising huge returns are all common scam tactics.

How to report a scam

If you think you've spotted a scam or believe you've been defrauded, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can also:

• forward scam emails to [email protected]
• forward suspicious text messages to 7726

What should you do if you've been scammed?

If you think you've fallen victim to a scam, act as quickly as possible.

You should:

• contact your bank or card provider immediately
• change any passwords that may have been compromised
• monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
• run a security scan on your device
• make sure your software and apps are fully up to date

The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your money and preventing further fraud.