Vodafone UK started a new SMS service where users can report SMS spam back to the operator, who in turn will work with telecommunication authorities to chase the senders.

When a Vodafone customer receives any text spam, they simply forward it for free to a short code number or by typing VSpam into their phones.

An automated report is then created and kept as a record by both Vodafone and Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS), the premium rate services watchdog.

So far this year, ICSTIS have had over 4,000 complaints about unwanted mobile spam Mr Whiteing said. On average they receive 10,000 in a year.