UK network operator Vodafone has introduced new barring technology aimed at blocking bulk nuisance and scam calls from entering its network in a move that will significantly reduce distress for customers.

The new technology means Vodafone can block hundreds of thousands of nuisance and fraudulent calls a day, covering everything from false PPI offers to missed call scams to expensive numbers promising bogus offers or prizes.

Customers do not need to do anything to benefit from the technology, and will be unaware that calls have been blocked, since the system works discreetly at a network level.

Previously, Vodafone was able to prevent customers from unintentionally returning calls to fraudulent numbers, but could not block them in the first place.

The new system may still let some unwanted calls through, but during tests it was able to block over 425,000 nuisance and scam calls in one day alone. Over a week of testing, nuisance call attempts dropped to under 1000 as perpetrators realised their calls were being automatically blocked.

“Fraudulent calls are a scourge on society, inflicting great anxiety for victims,” said Mark Hughes, head of corporate security for Vodafone UK. “The protection of our customers is paramount and we have been investing heavily in our network and technology to help stamp out this practice.  We will continue to evolve the technology as well as work with industry bodies and the regulator to ensure we keep one step ahead of criminals.”