Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of Ofcom's enforcement of caller line identification requirements in reducing the number of scam and spoofed telephone calls received by consumers.

Tackling fraud is a priority for the Government. We are working closely with industry, law enforcement and consumer groups to identify and prosecute criminal activity of this nature.

As the independent regulator, Ofcom has strengthened its Calling Line Identification guidance following consultation, with rules coming into force in January 2025 requiring providers to block calls from abroad which falsely display UK landline numbers. Ofcom also consulted in 2025 on further measures to address calls that imitate UK mobile numbers and is continuing work on next steps.

The Government has not made a specific assessment of the effectiveness of Ofcom’s enforcement of caller line identification requirements in reducing the number of scam and spoofed telephone calls received by consumers.

The Government continues to support Ofcom’s work, including through the Telecommunications Fraud Sector Charter and the Fraud Strategy, to protect consumers and reduce scam calls.