Mobile UK on fraud ahead of Reeves' Mansion House speech
Hamish MacLeod, CEO, Mobile UK:
“Ensuring customer safety and preventing cyberattacks is a core priority for all mobile operators. The industry is investing millions into counter-fraud measures yearly. Last year alone, over one billion scam messages were blocked by our mobile operators. Whilst an impressive figure, this statistic indicates the sheer size and scope of the mobile fraud epidemic in the UK.”
“We acknowledge the Chancellor’s call to arms and welcome the opportunity to continue the progress we have already achieved via the Sector Fraud Charter and our own industry’s initiatives; however, we also look to other sectors, such as the finance sector and law enforcement, to work collaboratively with the mobile industry to further protect customers across all areas of activity.”
Summary of Mobile Industry Actions tackling fraud:
- Offering 7726 as a number for all mobile customers to text and report unwanted SMS messages or calls
- Blacklisting suspicious International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and preventing devices linked to fraudulent activity from connecting to any mobile network
- Investing in the creation of new tools, services and platforms to protect mobile users from fraudulent or malicious activity, including SMS SenderID Protection Registry
- Using cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and block scam and spam calls or texts daily
- Introducing new voice management platforms to scrutinise inbound calls to customers and block calls which fail Ofcom rules on Calling Line Identity
- Collaborating with Ofcom, the UK Government, and organisations like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and UK Finance to enhance consumer safety and reduce fraud risk
