As we lead into the Christmas period this year, there are a lot of unknowns. It is not like previous years where we are planning Christmas parties and get-togethers with family and friends. In fact, everything may be different for Christmas 2020? There is one thing that will not change, it is the time of year that is absolutely rife for telecoms fraud. At this time of year with offices being closed for extended periods, this is a very relevant story you should be reading in the lead up to Christmas.

Telecommunications fraud involves the misuse of airtime by fraudsters who have no intention of paying any bills.

Fraudsters generally hack telephone systems over long weekends, to maximise the time they have to rack up huge call costs before the office re-opens and they are discovered.  With the majority of offices closing for over a week during the Christmas period, it is the busiest time of year for fraudsters to commit their crimes.

Were you aware that businesses are liable for any costs that are amounted due to telecoms fraud?

What can you do to prevent this?

There are several steps you can take to lock down your telephone systems.  Speak to your telephone maintainers to ensure all remote access is locked down and not set up with standardised admin passwords.  You can also set up international call bars to high-risk destinations, set daily spend limits and alerts for any out-of-the-ordinary call traffic.

2 Circles offer services such as Voice Safe and VoIP Safe that will assist our clients by covering the cost of fraudulent activity up to the sum of £10,000.00.  Please get in touch with your 2 Circles account manager to discuss these options, or for any further information regarding telecoms fraud.