- VodafoneThree blocks 25% more bank fraud messages since August 2025
- Collaboration with Barclays leverages shared intelligence
- Other banks will 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 fraudulent SMS messages from reaching customers of banks that participate in its program.
Initially a collaborative effort between network provider Barclays, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum and the Cyber Defense Alliance, the trial is also expected to extend to the Co-operative Bank and TSB.
According to the recently conglomerated mobile network, the trial resulted in a healthy 25% increase in the number of bank fraud messages blocked.
VodafoneThree and participating banks can block even more fraudulent SMS messages
The solution adds bank-specific detection rules to VodafoneThree’s existing SMS firewall to improve detection accuracy and ensure legitimate messages reach customers. Rather than introducing a completely new system, this collaborative upgrade makes it cheaper and highly efficient for participating banks by using existing shared intelligence.
Aside from the banking sector, VodafoneThree claims to have blocked more than 139 million fraudulent text messages across its entire network in 2025, indicating a growing problem. Barclays also noted that APP scams from SMS attacks increased by approximately 40% year-on-year in 2025.
“We work closely with banks, government, law enforcement and industry partners to stay ahead of the curve, evolving our capabilities as quickly as fraudsters change tactics,” said Rachel Andrews, director of corporate security and fraud.
Currently, fraud accounts for almost half (44%) of all crimes in the UK, but with so many groups and attackers, attack vectors and other variables, VodafoneThree says a more collaborative approach is needed.
“Protecting our customers’ money and data is our top priority. With reports of SMS-based APP scams increasing by around 40% in 2025 compared to 2024, it is vital that we continue to work together to stay ahead of new threats,” added Paul Davis, head of economic crime at Barclays.
“By sharing intelligence between banks, telecoms providers and industry bodies, we can help stop suspicious messages before they reach customers, whilst ensuring our customers always receive genuine messages from us. VodafoneThree’s work is a good example of how collective action can help tackle fraud at the source and better protect consumers.”
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