'No single organisation can tackle it alone': VodafoneThree says its new security process blocked two million SMS fraud messages

Date:
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:21:12 +0000

Description:
VodafoneThree and Barclays prevent 25% more banking scams by using combined intelligence more banks to come.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter VodafoneThree blocks 25% more banking fraud messages since August 2025 Barclays collaboration leverages shared intelligence More banks to be added later VodafoneThree says it has blocked more than two million fraudulent banking SMS messages since August 2025 using a new proof of concept to prevent scam texts from reaching customers of banks that participate in its scheme.

Initially a collaborative effort between the network provider, Barclays, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum and the Cyber Defence Alliance, the trial is also set to expand across The Co-operative Bank and TSB. According to the recently conglomerated mobile network, the trial delivered a healthy 25% increase in the number of banking scam messages that were blocked. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: VodafoneThree and participating banks can block even more scam texts The solution adds bank-specific detection rules to VodafoneThree's existing SMS firewall to improve detection accuracy and to ensure that legitimate messages make it to customers. Rather than introducing a whole new system, this collaborative upgrade makes it cheaper and highly effective for participating banks by using existing shared intelligence.

Banking aside, VodafoneThree says it blocked more than 139 million fraudulent SMS messages across its entire network during 2025, indicating a growing problem. Barclays also noted that APP scams from SMS attacks rose around 40% year-over-year in 2025. You may like How the UK is tackling industrialized crypto fraud Belarus-based SIM farm network linked to global telecom fraud
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"Were working closely with banks, government, law enforcement, and industry partners to stay ahead, evolving our capabilities as quickly as fraudsters change their tactics," Director of Corporate Security and Fraud Rachel
Andrews said.

At the moment, fraud accounts for nearly half (44%) of all crime in the UK, but with so many groups and attackers, attack vectors and other variables, VodafoneThree says a more collaborative approach is needed. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
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Protecting our customers money and data is our highest priority. With reports of APP scams originating via SMS increasing by around 40% in 2025 compared with 2024, it is essential that we continue to work together to stay ahead of new threats," added Paul Davis, Head of Economic Crime, Barclays.

By sharing intelligence across banks, telecoms providers and industry bodies, we can help stop suspicious messages before they reach customers, while ensuring our customers still receive genuine messages from us. VodafoneThrees work is a strong example of how collective action can help tackle fraud at source and better protect consumers. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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