UK ranked biggest target for telecoms fraud

The UK has been ranked as the world’s biggest target for fraudulent telecoms traffic, according to data from BICS which points to over 25 million fraudulent call attempts to the UK in 2018 alone.
Criminals are exploiting weaknesses in the UK's phone numbering system to generate huge profits, says the firm.
The findings gathered from BICS’ FraudGuard platform, which crowdsources and anonymises intelligence from over 900 service providers, highlights the scale of the challenge facing operators throughout the world.
In the last year alone, BICS has identified and blocked more than 170 million fraudulent call attempts to hundreds of destinations.
The UK suffers most heavily, as 15% of the total global fraud calls – 25 million – were aimed at the country.
According to the Risk and Assurance Group (RAG), the UK is the only G20 country in the fraud termination top 10.
The UK’s telecoms fraud problem may be partly attributed to regulation, management and ownership of phone numbers, which is not as strictly controlled as in some other regions.
It is relatively easy to purchase personal telephone numbers beginning ‘070’, which usually have higher termination rates than mobile numbers beginning ‘07’.
Many service providers are unable to distinguish this number’s premium rate from the standard rate of a regular mobile number. This makes it easy for fraudsters to exploit telecoms carriers by generating a profit from the expensive termination rates associated with these numbers.
Telecoms fraud is a pervasive problem, causing an estimated annual loss of almost $30 billion, according to the most recent estimations by the Communications Fraud Control Association (CFCA).
The threat of telecoms fraud is not only costly but growing: BICS’ data reveals a 2% increase in fraudulent call attempts globally in 2018, compared to the year previously. BICS’ findings follow an announcement earlier in the year, which revealed global spam calls had grown 325% to reach 85 billion worldwide, highlighting the dual challenge facing operators.
But despite these findings, there is optimism, with knowledge-sharing amongst operators enabling the telecoms ecosystem to better protect itself against fraud; during 2018, BICS enabled operators to save over $320 million via its FraudGuard platform.
“The results from our FraudGuard platform illustrate what a persistent – and damaging – threat telecoms fraud is to the industry while continuing to prop up the serious organised crime,” said Katia Gonzalez, Head of Fraud Prevention, BICS.
“Eradicating telecoms fraud is an ongoing battle and one which will only be successfully waged with industry-wide collaboration. Sharing information and knowledge will allow the sector to take a proactive approach to minimise fraud, protecting subscribers in the UK, and globally.
“The UK is a long-suffering target of telecoms fraud, both in terms of its phone numbers being used to collect fraudulent traffic and its subscribers being targeted. Fortunately, tools are available to make its detection and prevention easier for mobile operators, allowing parties to work together against the fraudsters to protect bottom lines."
source commsdealer
Industry: Telecommunications

Latest Jobs
-
- Identity Channel Partner Manager | London
- London
- N/A
-
Identity Channel Partner Manager | London Location: South East UK (commutable to London) We are working with a Cyber Security business who are looking for a Channel Partner Manager to drive and grow relationships across their identity ecosystem. Prior experience working within VARs, distributors, vendors or resellers in the identity space is essential. You must have experience working with technologies such as CyberArk, Sailpoint, Okta etc Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Build, maintain and develop strong relationships with channel partners. Work closely with partner sales teams to support growth drive sales opportunities. Identify and onboard new partners while strengthening existing partnerships. Act as the key point of contact for all channel-related activity. If you are an experienced channel professional, with experience in the Identity space and are ready for your next challenge, apply today.
-
- Service Architect- DACH regions
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 plus bonus and benefits
-
Lead Service Architect with the authority and experience to take control of complex, multi-million-euro outsourcing bids. This role is about leading the Service/ solutioning effort, bringing structure to chaos, and driving the entire bid team to deliver winning proposals. The company area a global managed services business working with enterprise and public sector clients, across Cloud, End-User Computing, Digital Workplace, Service Desk, and Network Infrastructure. What You’ll Do: Lead Service/ solution design from qualification to contract. Control bid teams — architects, pricing, delivery, and SMEs. Break down RFPs/RFIs into actionable, costed, client-ready solutions. Present internally and to clients at decision-maker level. Run solution workshops, own the architecture, and shape the financial model. You’ll Need: Experience working as a Service architect, Service Manager or Customer Success Manager R Gravitas to lead and drive teams through high-stakes bids. Deep knowledge of managed services delivery and commercial models. Strong technical grasp: Cloud, Security, EUC, Unified Comms, Service Desk, and more. Experience leading deals across onshore, offshore, and hybrid delivery models.
-
- Deal Architect- DACH region
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 plus bonus and benefits
-
Lead Deal Architect with the authority and experience to take control of complex, multi-million-euro outsourcing bids. This role is about leading the solutioning/ Service effort, bringing structure to chaos, and driving the entire bid team to deliver winning proposals. The company is a global managed services business providing solutions to enterprise and public sector clients, across Cloud, End-User Computing, Digital Workplace, Service Desk, and Network Infrastructure. What You’ll Do: Lead the deal from qualification to contract. Control bid teams — architects, pricing, delivery, and SMEs. Break down RFPs/RFIs into actionable, costed, client-ready solutions. Present internally and to clients at decision-maker level. Run solution workshops, own the architecture, and shape the financial model. Be responsible for the service Wrap and ensuring the Service meets clients requirements You’ll Need: A back ground with IT Services Experience in a similar type of role, for example: Deal, Service, or Solution Architect in ICT outsourcing. Gravitas to lead and drive teams through high-stakes bids. Deep knowledge of managed services delivery and commercial models. Strong technical knowledge: Cloud, Security, EUC, Unified Comms, Service Desk, and more. Experience leading deals across onshore, offshore, and hybrid delivery models.
-
- Pre Sales Lead- IT Services
- Germany
- Upto €100,000 plus benefits
-
As the Pre-Sales Lead (Sales Engineer/ Solution Architect) you will drive large-scale ICT managed services and outsourcing deals (from €0.5M to €20M+). You'll work directly with Business Development and clients to design high-impact solutions across Cloud (Azure, IaaS, SaaS, PaaS), EUC, Unified Comms, Security (SIEM, PAM), Networks, and Smart Workplaces. What You’ll Do: Lead the end-to-end pre-sales cycle — from RFI/RFP to contract. Design innovative, client-specific solutions with technical & commercial impact. Present at CxO level and steer proposal strategies & financial models. Collaborate closely with Portfolio, Service Desk, Field, and Digital Workplace teams. Support deal shaping with strong knowledge of ITIL, SIAM, Automation, and cost analysis. What You’ll Bring: Have strong experience in pre-sales or solution architecture. Experience with €M+ managed service deals. Deep technical expertise in modern ICT stack and enterprise IT services. Strong German (C1) and English communication skills. Certifications: ITIL v3/v4 required; SIAM, ISO20000 desirable.