Scam and nuisance calls have long plagued UK households, especially those who rely on landlines. While call blocking devices offer personal protection, phone carriers themselves have also stepped up their efforts to fight fraud.
So, how do phone companies handle scam and spam calls on landlines? This blog explains the systems they use, the limits of these protections, and how you can strengthen your defences with additional tools.
Why Are Scam and Spam Calls Still a Problem in the UK?
Despite technological advances, scam calls persist because:
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Spoofing technology: Criminals can fake UK numbers or mimic local prefixes.
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Overseas call centres: Fraudsters operate outside UK legal reach.
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High call volume: Millions of auto-dialled scam calls flood networks daily.
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Elderly vulnerability: Landline users, often seniors, are more trusting and available during the day.
In 2024, Ofcom reported that over 40% of UK consumers still receive nuisance calls on their landlines every week.
Summary: Scam calls persist due to spoofing, overseas operations, and vulnerable landline demographics.
How Do UK Phone Carriers Combat Scam and Spam Calls?
Most major UK providers now use advanced filtering systems:
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BT Call Protect – Automatically diverts known scam and nuisance numbers to a junk voicemail folder. Users can add their own blocked numbers.
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Sky Talk Shield – Screens unknown callers and asks them to state their name before connecting.
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Virgin Media Call Safe – Blocks suspicious or withheld numbers and lets you build safe lists.
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TalkTalk CallSafe – Filters unwanted calls by checking them against a constantly updated scam database.
These systems rely on shared fraud databases, caller reputation analytics, and customer feedback to flag suspicious numbers across the network.
Summary: UK carriers like BT, Sky, Virgin, and TalkTalk use automatic blocking, call screening, and shared databases to reduce scam calls.
What Are the Limitations of Carrier-Level Call Blocking?
While effective, these systems aren’t foolproof:
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Spoofed calls still get through because fraudsters disguise caller IDs.
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Overseas numbers may bypass domestic filters.
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Updates lag behind scams since new fraudulent numbers appear daily.
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Limited personal control – You can’t always tailor filters to your needs.
Example: One BT customer reported that although Call Protect blocked hundreds of calls monthly, scammers kept changing numbers to evade detection.
Summary: Carrier systems reduce scams but cannot completely stop spoofed or newly generated numbers.
How Can You Strengthen Your Protection?
To close the gap, combine carrier tools with personal devices and habits:
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Use a dedicated call blocker like CPR Call Blocker for on-the-spot blocking.
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Register with the TPS to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.
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Enable caller ID to screen calls visually before answering.
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Report suspicious numbers to Action Fraud or the ICO.
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Educate elderly relatives about fake “bank” or “HMRC” calls.
Summary: Combining carrier protection with personal call blockers, TPS registration, and scam awareness gives the strongest defence.
Conclusion
UK phone carriers are playing an active role in stopping scam and spam calls, but no system is perfect. By combining their network tools with your own call blocker and good habits, you can drastically cut down on nuisance calls and protect your household.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: Which UK phone carriers offer scam protection?
A: BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk all offer built-in blocking tools for landlines.
Q: Are these services free?
A: Most carrier protections, like BT Call Protect, are included at no extra cost.
Q: Can carriers block spoofed calls?
A: They can reduce them, but complete blocking isn’t yet possible.
Q: Should I still use a call blocker if my provider filters calls?
A: Yes—devices give extra control and real-time blocking.
