Mobile networks, including BT EE, Vodafone, Three, and Virgin Media O2 are set to prevent foreign call centres from masquerading as banks in a fresh assault on fraud. These telecommunications giants have committed to enhancing their systems over the coming year to eliminate overseas call centres’ capacity to spoof UK telephone numbers.
Spoofing represents a tactic employed by fraudsters to conceal their genuine number and manipulate their caller identification to masquerade as a reliable entity. This fresh programme will ensure transparency regarding calls emanating from abroad.
Machine learning technology will additionally be deployed to detect and prevent dubious calls and messages, whilst sophisticated call tracking systems will be provided to constabularies nationwide to assist in pursuing criminals.
Organisations backing this programme encompass BT EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Talk Talk, Sky and Comms Council UK (CCUK), according to the Mirror. Fresh statistics show that 96% of mobile subscribers determine whether to accept a call based upon the number shown on their display, with three-quarters reluctant to respond if it represents an unfamiliar international number.
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson remarked: “Spoofed calls allow scammers to deceive the public with fake identities and false promises. This government is committed to tackling fraud.
“In a major upgrade of our mobile network, call spoofing will be eliminated within a year – stripping away the tools scammers use to cheat people out of their hard-earned cash. We’re stepping up our defences to protect victims and make sure the UK is the hardest place in the world for scammers to operate.”
How to report scams
If you have been targeted by a scam or fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit the Action Fraud website. For those residing in Scotland, report any scams to Advice Direct Scotland at 0808 164 6000 or via the Advice Direct Scotland website. Scams can also be reported to Police Scotland on 101.
To report scam emails, forward them to report@phishing. gov.uk. For scam text messages, forward them to 7726 free of charge. Dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If you suspect you are receiving a call from a scammer, hang up immediately and look up the official contact details of the organisation they claim to represent online. Never dial back the number provided by the caller.
If you believe a fraudster has gained access to your bank account, contact your bank immediately. You can reach your bank through the 159 hotline. Change any passwords that have been leaked or compromised without delay.
