Case Studies

Telephone counter-fraud software

by Mark Rowe

Lloyds Banking Group is set to become the first organisation in Europe to introduce a new fraud prevention product, for helping protect its 30 million customers from telephone fraudsters.

The patented Phoneprinting technology, developed by call centre fraud product company Pindrop, creates an “audio fingerprint” of each call by analysing 147 call features – such as location, background noise, number history and call type – to highlight unusual activity, identify potential fraud and stop criminal callers. There is no need for customers to provide any additional information, the product firm points out.

Fraudsters may seek to disguise their calls and manipulate individuals by tactics including caller ID spoofing, voice distortion and social engineering. As a member of the Government’s Joint Fraud Taskforce, the Group says that it’s committed to gathering and sharing intelligence to help bring criminals to justice. The software will be introduced across the Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands early next year.

Financial Fraud Action (FFA) figures show that consumers lost £755m to financial fraud across the UK financial services industry in 2015. According to a recent report from Pindrop Labs, one in 700 calls to UK financial services contact centres is currently fraudulent.

Martin Dodd, Group Telephony Managing Director, Lloyds Banking Group said: “Protecting our customers, their money and their information is our priority and investing in ground-breaking technology is just one of the many ways we are able to remain a step ahead of potential fraudsters. Our partnership with Pindrop will enable us to further strengthen our multi-layered defences and allow us to continue to lead the industry in this important area.”

And Matt Peachey, VP and General Manager International, Pindrop said: “Our Phoneprinting technology is highly resilient and very quickly identifies and analyses a call’s audio to indicate if a caller is suspicious. The technology can also identify multiple callers associated with the same phone number, allowing the detection and tracking of fraud rings. This shines a spotlight on fraudulent activity before it becomes an issue – for both the organisation and the customer – and also helps ensure a positive customer experience. Lloyds Banking Group is leading the European banking industry with this implementation.”

Mike Haley, Deputy Chief Executive at fraud prevention membership body Cifas said: “Banks are under increasing pressure to provide additional assurances that customers’ data and finances are protected, particularly as the channels through which to communicate have multiplied in recent years. We always welcome initiatives from organisations which prioritise customer safety and therefore it’s a very positive move for the UK banking industry that Lloyds Banking Group is working with Pindrop and taking significant steps to provide an added layer of security when it comes to customer telephone calls. While many people opt to use online banking methods, there is still a requirement for a telephone conversation and this channel cannot be left to become a weakest link.

“It’s important also for consumers to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves against fraudulent activity. While organisations like Lloyds Banking Group are making significant investments, consumers need to do their bit in ensuring fraudulent behaviour is mitigated and sensitive data is kept private.”

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