Security Minister (): My Noble Friend the Minister of State, Home Office
( of Flint) has today made the
following Written Ministerial Statement:
The Telecoms Fraud Charter was signed on 5 November 2025 by the 6
major UK mobile networks and 13 business-to-business telecoms
companies.
This statement provides a six‑month progress update on delivery
of the Telecoms Fraud Charter, launched to strengthen the
telecoms sector's role in preventing fraud, protecting consumers
and businesses, and supporting law enforcement. As set out in the
Fraud Strategy, the Home Office has committed to report to
Parliament on delivery of the Charter every six months until the
end of 2027.
Commitments made under the Charter are on track. Several
workstreams are now established and operational, demonstrating
strong collective ambition to disrupt fraud at scale.
Progress is being led through two complementary groups:
- The Communications Crime Strategy Group (CCSG), covering the
UK's mobile network operators; and
- Comms Council UK (CCUK), representing the
business‑to‑business telecoms sector.
Communications Crime Strategy Group (CCSG) – Mobile
Networks
Data sharing:
Cross sector workshops are underway, focusing on progressing new
data sharing pilots, including opportunities involving voice
data. By November 2026, we expect to see cross-sector data
sharing models to be finalised and wider information sharing
practices in place.
Voice fraud:
An industry workstream has been established, with activity on
traceback progressing, as well as planned engagement with Ofcom
and cross-sector partners to improve alignment.
SMS fraud:
Following a Home Office workshop, activity is progressing across
the SMS workstream, with planned engagement with tech platforms
on emerging messaging services such as RCS. By November 2026, we
expect to see strengthened sender verification and onboarding
processes across the major UK networks, with established
sector-wide standards for secure messaging.
Artificial intelligence:
An AI-focused industry group has been established, mapping
current use across networks and developing a shared view of
future risks and opportunities. By November 2026, ethical
principles on AI are to be agreed and published, along with an
operational intelligence sharing framework for AI-related
threats.
Stop! Think Fraud campaign:
CCSG working group is in place, with ongoing collaboration to
tailor campaign messaging for mobile-specific threats and
consumer behaviours.
Staff capability and victims:
Industry has shared best practice, with work underway to map
standards, identify learning needs, and strengthen support for
staff and fraud victims. Collaboration with National Trading
Standards (NTS) on this is ongoing.
Collaboration with law enforcement:
Strong engagement continues, with active industry groups, a
dedicated eSIM working group, CCSG representation in policing
forums, and industry participation in the Fraud Targeting Cell.
Comms Council UK (CCUK)
Data sharing and tracing:
Promotion of the National Trading Standards (NTS) data sharing
scheme is ongoing, alongside support for development of a
traceback scheme and continued engagement with CCSG. By November
2026, findings and recommendations for sector-wide adoption on a
traceback solution are to be shared with the Home Office.
Best practice and standards:
Guidance for business telecoms providers has been updated and
placed on a regular review cycle, with ongoing promotion to
members. By November 2026, a new and updated guidance is to be
shared with the Home Office.
Awareness, staff and business victims:
A fraud information hub has been launched, with support for the
Stop! Think Fraud campaign and work to improve support and
guidance for business victims.
Technology and innovation:
Members are sharing how new technologies, including AI-enabled
tools, are being used to strengthen fraud detection and
prevention.
Conclusion
At the six‑month point, the Telecoms Fraud Charter is firmly on
track. Industry, Government and law enforcement are now working
together through established structures, with clear momentum
across all workstreams.
Government welcomes the proactive approach shown by both CCSG and
CCUK and will continue to work closely with them to ensure
delivery over the coming year, building a more resilient telecoms
ecosystem and strengthening protection for consumers and
businesses alike.
