Happy New Year from Plexatalk! As we welcome 2025, we’re excited to share some vital updates designed to protect you from scam calls. Ofcom’s updated Calling Line Identification (CLI) Guidance is set to take effect this year, marking a significant step in the fight against fraud.

Protecting Consumers: Why These Changes Matter

Scam calls remain a significant problem in the UK, with millions of people targeted each year. According to Ofcom, 82% of UK adults received a suspicious call or message in 2022, with scammers often impersonating trusted organisations or individuals.

The financial impact is severe. Data from UK Finance reveals that total fraud losses across the UK reached £1.2 billion in 2022, with a substantial portion attributed to phone scams. Beyond financial loss, victims suffer emotional distress and a loss of trust in their communication systems.

Scammers often exploit overseas systems to mimic UK numbers, making their calls appear trustworthy. Ofcom’s updated CLI Guidance introduces measures to block these fraudulent calls, reducing risks to consumers.

Key Changes You Need to Know

From 29 January 2025, stricter rules will govern how phone numbers are displayed on incoming calls. Here’s what it means for you:

1. Blocking Spoofed UK Numbers from Abroad

Scammers often use overseas systems to mimic UK numbers. Under the new rules:

  • International calls displaying a UK number (as their Calling Line Identification or CLI) will be blocked unless they meet specific criteria.
  • Calls that do not pass enhanced checks will no longer reach your phone, significantly reducing scam risks.

2. Exceptions for Legitimate Callers

Some legitimate scenarios will be exempt, ensuring genuine calls get through. For example:

  • UK Mobile Users Abroad: Calls made by UK mobile users (+447 range) while roaming overseas to contact UK numbers.
  • Calls to Roaming UK Mobile Users: Calls to a UK mobile number when the recipient is roaming outside the UK.
  • Verified Origin on UK Networks: Calls originating on a UK network, even if they transit internationally.
  • Representing UK Businesses Abroad: Calls from UK businesses or individuals using non-UK networks, including cloud-based services.

3. Expanded Exception Tools

Providers will manage these exemptions through enhanced exception tools, ensuring legitimate calls are identified and processed appropriately.

How These Changes Benefit You

  1. Enhanced Trust in Calls
    By blocking fraudulent calls from spoofed UK numbers, you can trust that calls appearing from UK numbers are genuine.
  2. Reduced Scam Risk
    International numbers often raise suspicion, but scammers bypass this by spoofing UK numbers. Blocking this tactic makes scams easier to spot.
  3. Financial and Emotional Protection
    With £1.2 billion lost to fraud in 2022, these measures could save countless individuals from falling victim to phone scams, protecting both finances and peace of mind.
  4. Support for Vulnerable Groups
    Many scams target vulnerable individuals. Blocking suspicious calls reduces the volume of fraudulent activity reaching those most at risk.

What You Can Do

While these changes will reduce scam calls, vigilance remains important:

  • Be Wary of Unfamiliar Numbers: Calls from numbers you don’t recognise, especially international CLIs, should be treated with caution.
  • Verify Suspicious Calls: If in doubt, hang up and contact the organisation directly using verified contact details.
  • Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never provide personal or financial details over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.

Our Commitment to You

At Plexatalk, we are committed to implementing these changes seamlessly to protect our customers. From 15 January 2025, enhanced CLI checks will go live across our network, blocking fraudulent calls while ensuring legitimate communications are unaffected.

We’re here to answer any questions and support you through these changes. Together, let’s make 2025 the year we take back control from scammers.

Sources

UK Finance Annual Fraud Report 2023

ONS: Nature of Fraud and Computer Misuse in England and Wales, Year Ending March 2022