Ofcom bans technical loophole used by criminals to intercept mobile calls and texts

Regulator prohibits leasing of ‘global titles’ phone numbers by mobile operators after industry efforts to tackle problem were ineffective

The UK communications regulator is banning mobile operators from leasing numbers that can be used by criminals to intercept and divert calls and messages, including security codes sent by banks to customers.

Ofcom said it would stop the leasing of “global titles”, special types of phone numbers used by mobile networks to support services to make sure messages and calls reach the intended recipient.