FRAUD

Welcome to the CCUK Fraud section

In the fast-moving world of digital communications, the fight against scam calls and telecom fraud is relentless. Threats evolve and change rapidly. It demands constant vigilance and swift action from the industry. For every legitimate service provider, combating these threats is top priority, as the stakes are high for both their customers and their own business operations.

Comms Council UK members are committed to stamping out fraud wherever possible. Over the years, we’ve supported initiatives to keep members informed and built important connections with organisations tackling these crimes.

However, we believe more can be done across the sector which can be siloed in its approach at times. With a renewed interest from policymakers within Government over the past 18 months, there is real opportunity to make further progress. CCUK has been at the forefront of those conversations, championing the need for a more joined-up approach to strengthen ongoing efforts.

Tackling fraud will therefore be the priority issue of 2025 for Comms Council UK. Central to the mission of our work this year will be the core themes of prevention, detection and reporting. We’ll explore and consider:

i. Ways and means to coordinate and communicate existing initiatives more effectively
ii. Consider new ideas and technical solutions that may support the fight across all areas
iii. Explore any policy or regulatory changes that may help industry at both a national and international level

To kick off, we’ve hosted our inaugural Fraud Summit on 5th March. As a leading voice of the sector, we gathered our members’ expertise to discuss the threats and current challenges, while seeking ideas to support cross-industry cooperation. Other key stakeholders from industry, Government and law enforcement also contributed to the discussion.

This landing page will serve as a hub for all CCUK-endorsed guidance and updates on new developments from our discussions. It will evolve over the coming months as our plan of activity develops.

We urge all members who are actively involved in fraud prevention to join us and support the work ahead that will help strengthen our sector for the future.

For any questions or queries, please contact the CCUK team at team@commscouncil.uk.

On 5 November 2025 at the BT Tower, CCUK signed the government’s Second Telecommunications Fraud Sector Charter. Our Chair, Tracey Wright, addressed the event and set out CCUK’s role in driving practical measures across the business to business voice and telephony market.

Section 2 of the Charter drew on input from CCUK members. It commits CCUK and other signatories to expand trusted data sharing, including a proof of concept API with NICC, and to broaden participation in the joint CCUK and National Trading Standards scheme launched in January 2025.

The charter also commits signatories to partner with law enforcement to disrupt criminal enablers, to engage in a UK Traceback solution that identifies the origin of suspicious calls, and to keep best practice guidance current on number misuse and fraud monitoring. In addition, signatories will support and amplify the Government‑led Stop! Think Fraud campaign through training and proactive communications, and introduce shared principles to support business victims.

The timelines are clear. Within six months, signatories will promote the NTS scheme and begin the NICC API proof of concept. Within 12 months, they will report progress on data sharing, traceback recommendations, updated guidance and member training. Full adoption of victim support principles is targeted within 18 months.

In a written statement, the Minister for Security, Dan Jarvis, welcomed providers’ proactive approach, commended their dedication to safeguarding consumers, said the Government stands firmly alongside the sector, and committed to convene, support and challenge partners while holding them to account so the UK becomes a hostile environment for fraudsters and a safer place for everyone.

 

Advice and guidance on fraud and scams

There is a range of guidance to support you in preventing becoming affected by fraud and scams. Below is a list to resources and advice: