UK phone network to block scam calls for abroad

Major phone networks in Britain have agreed to automatically block almost all internet calls coming from abroad if  they pretend to be from UK numbers.

Criminals have been using internet-based calling technology to make it look like a phone call or text is coming from a real telephone number.

Almost 45 million consumers were targeted by phone scams this summer.

Telecommunications regulator Ofcom said it expected the measures to be introduced at pace as a priority.

So far, one operator has implemented the new plans, while other phone networks are still exploring methods of  making it work.