Online and phoneline fraud disruption sees NFIB save millions

A major NFIB campaign to shut down the websites, email addresses and telephone numbers fuelling much of today’s fraud has already stopped at least £7 million being lost to fraudsters in the last 2 months.

During September and October the NFIB has suspended 12 websites, 179 telephone numbers and 155 email accounts, which were enabling organised crime gangs to target and steal from individuals and the public and private sector.

The threat of personal information being stolen through phishing e-mails is now being tackled in partnership with UK Payments Administration (UKPA). 978 emails have been passed to the UKPA-run www.banksafeonline.org.uk, for suspension.

NFIB analysis has shown how fraudsters can be resilient, with the ability to quickly reinvent their criminal operation.

Re-creation of websites

In recent months the NFIB has identified fraudsters who are reproducing suspended websites with a similar sounding name and/or signing up for new phone numbers with a different provider. The public is told this has been done for ‘technical reasons’.

The NFIB has moved quickly to block this new line of attack.

People who visit certain suspended websites are now being automatically redirected to an alert page on the NFIB website. This provides users with a fraud warning and directs people who believe they have been a victim of fraud to Action Fraud. For legal reasons some ISPs have not been able to comply with the redirection but overall the system is making a
positive impact.

The NFIB is taking a similar approach with phone numbers. Once a number is identified as part of a fraudulent operation, the NFIB looks to suspend the line and leave a message to callers explaining exactly why, along with details on how to contact Action Fraud. The aim is to stop the same victim being repeatedly conned and to protect any new, prospective victims.

To hear an NFIB message call: 020 3318 1273 or 020 3318 1274