BACKGROUND:
Following the news that Britons are ‘too polite’ to hang up scam phone calls, coupled with today’s research by Which? revealing ‘smishing’ text messages are on the rise, cybersecurity expert breaks down why consumers aren’t to blame, and how banks and organisations must have our backs.
<p>The rise in smishing scams are further proof that fraudsters are using more sophisticated methods than ever before. Add this to yesterday’s UK Finance report that, in typical British fashion, consumers are too polite to hang up scam phone calls, and it’s clear that consumers are up against it as they face the most complex psychological traps ever to plague society. As the capabilities of impersonation scams continue to develop, the weapons in a fraudster’s armoury could put them ahead of banks’ own systems. </p>
<p>Impersonation scams are a huge threat – but this is not the consumer’s fault. The fault lies with the technology industry. Awareness of scams is not enough. We need a strong and convenient solution, enough to keep consumers safe and attackers out. </p>
<p>That’s why it’s time to add another link to the security chain and send the fraudsters running – and this is where our voices come in. Voice biometrics could help add another layer of defence. </p>
<p>Organisations and banks must have our backs. They must tap into what’s easiest and most intuitive for customers to truly protect them from fraud. It’s time for businesses to be aware of the fact that we need systematic change. </p>