Three UK Add Callsign’s Enhanced Fraud Detection to Mobile Network

Mobile network operator Three UK has managed to integrate Callsign‘s enhanced customer protection technology into their service, which is a customer authentication and ID verification system that could improve SIM-swap and call-divert fraud detection for users on their 3G and 4G network.

At present there’s a growing problem with fraudsters using increasingly crafty methods to intercept messages from your bank. For example, in the case of SIM-swap fraud, corrupted mobile operator employees work to bypass basic ID checks and hand over replacement SIM cards to potential criminals instead of the intended customer. Once they have this it’s easy to incept bank messages containing security codes.

Similarly call-divert fraud also targets interception of security codes from banks, albeit via a different approach. In this method the criminals harvest as much data as they can about an individual by searching social media profiles, intercepting their post (letters etc.), tricking them into installing malware on a computer and or buying leaked personal data from organised criminals.

Once the fraudsters have this data they can use it to get past a mobile operator’s basic security questions (e.g. what they usually ask when you call for support), which enables them to claim that your mobile phone was stolen. As part of this process the old SIM is cancelled and a new one activated, after which the fraudster will often ask for calls/texts to be diverted to a new phone.

In order to solve this Callsign’s “Intelligence Driven Authentication” uses multiple data items to recognise users through deep learning insights derived across device, location and behaviour. The result provides additional customer ID verification to banks, based on specific fraud risk triggers notified by Three UK, which can be used to spot fraudsters before any harm is done.

Ryan Gosling, Head of Partnerships at Callsign, said:

“For years now, I have been helping banks fight fraud, especially as they realise the fallibility of the password. As mobile banking has taken over, at Callsign we are increasingly working with the mobile industry to help them protect their customers from banking fraud. By adding Three UK’s intelligence with Callsign’s intelligence, we can offer the most robust solution on the market.”

Apparently Callsign worked with CKH Innovations Opportunities Development (CKH IOD), a unit of CK Hutchison’s telecom division (Three UK’s parent company), to integrate the new system.