scam calls

UK mobile networks and the Government launch a fierce crackdown on scam calls

Britain’s largest mobile networks have joined the Government to tackle scam calls and texts. Through the second Telecommunications Fraud Charter, they aim to make the UK harder for fraudsters to target.

To achieve this, networks will upgrade systems within a year to prevent foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers. Additionally, advanced call tracing and AI technology will detect and block suspicious calls and texts before they reach users.

Moreover, clear commitments are in place to support fraud victims, reducing the time it takes for help from networks to two weeks. Consequently, victims will receive prompt, specialist assistance to recover quickly and confidently.

Furthermore, improved data sharing with law enforcement will enable them to track down scammers and dismantle their operations. By collaborating across sectors, organised criminal networks can be disrupted and prevented from targeting the public.

Since fraud is the UK’s most reported crime, it causes financial losses and emotional distress. Additionally, scam calls erode public trust in essential services and cost the telecom industry millions of dollars annually.

Therefore, the Telecoms Charter sets measurable goals, ongoing monitoring, and best practice guidance for networks. Through AI tools, staff training, and public messaging, networks aim to stay ahead of evolving scam tactics.

Finally, international collaboration, such as UK-US actions against Southeast Asian fraud centres, complements these efforts.

Overall, this initiative forms part of a wider Fraud Strategy and Government plan to safeguard citizens.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

FCC proposes $6 million fine for scammer impersonating US President Biden in robocalls

The FCC has proposed a $6 million fine against a scammer who used voice-cloning technology to impersonate US President Biden in a series of illegal robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. This incident serves as a stern warning to other potential high-tech scammers about the misuse of generative AI in such schemes. In January, many New Hampshire voters received fraudulent calls mimicking President Biden, urging them not to vote in the primary. The voice-cloning technology, which has become widely accessible, enabled this deception with just a few minutes of Biden’s publicly available speeches.

The FCC and other law enforcement agencies have made it clear that using fake voices to suppress votes or for other malicious activities is strictly prohibited. Loyaan Egal, the chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, emphasised their commitment to preventing the misuse of telecommunications networks for such purposes. The primary perpetrator, political consultant Steve Kramer, collaborated with the disreputable Life Corporation and telecom company Lingo, among others, to execute the robocall scheme.

While Kramer faces violations of several rules, there are currently no criminal charges against him or his associates. The FCC’s power is limited to civil penalties, requiring cooperation with local or federal law enforcement for further action. Although the $6 million fine represents a significant penalty, the actual amount paid may be lower due to various factors. Kramer has the opportunity to respond to the allegations, and additional actions are being taken against Lingo, which could lead to further fines or the loss of licenses.

Following this case, the FCC officially declared in February that AI-generated voices are illegal to use in robocalls. This decision underscores the agency’s stance on generative AI and its potential for abuse, aiming to prevent future incidents of voter suppression and other fraudulent activities.

Australia imposed new Code for telecommunication companies on Scam Calls and SMSes

The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) imposed new rules that oblige telecommunication companies to identify, trace, and block numbers associated with scam calls and SMSes. Telecommunication companies are now required to share information among them and with the authorities to identify scammers.

Essentially, the new code revised the ACMA 2020 Code for combating scam SMSes. It aims to ensure that telecommunications companies assist and inform their customers about the services they receive and thus prevent them from scam calls and SMSes.

In case of non-compliance, telecommunications companies could face penalties of up to $250,000.