In a significant move towards protecting consumers from financial scams, Jersey Telecom (JT) recently launched a pioneering product designed to shield customers from impersonation scams, particularly Authorised Pushed Payment (APP) fraud. The Scam Signal launch comes as the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is introducing a new UK regulation that mandates banks to compensate customers defrauded up to £85,000. 

Scam Signal, developed in collaboration with Vodafone Carrier Services and global analytics leader FICO, is the first real-time application of telephony data used alongside customer and payment data to address APP fraud. This multifunctional tool allows businesses to protect their customers by swiftly identifying and blocking fraudulent bank transfers as they occur.   

With the new regulation due to come into force 7th October 2024, JT’s solution offers banks a proactive approach to safeguarding their customers and minimising financial losses.   

JT, known for its leading position in Mobile Intelligence, has integrated Scam Signal into its suite of mobile intelligence solutions. Having successfully piloted the solution with a leading UK high street bank, Scam Signal is now live with four major banks and has already improved fraud detection by 30%, asserting its efficacy in safeguarding financial institutions and their customers. 

Scam Signal has been named as Silver Award winner for ‘Best Scam and Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud Prevention Solution 2024 by Datos Insights. This accolade highlights the exceptional innovation and effectiveness Scam Signal brings to the financial services industry, setting a new standard for fraud prevention globally.  

Clare Messenger, Global Head of Mobile Intelligence at JT Group, stated, “Our technology represents a breakthrough in fraud prevention, directly addressing the needs of financial institutions by tackling fraud at its source. It’s an essential component of JT’s Mobile Intelligence solutions, using telephony signals to spot the subtle signs of fraud that enable banks and other organisations to take proactive measures to prevent financial loss.” 

Given the surge in APP fraud globally, and with the UK witnessing losses exceeding £340.65m in 2023 alone, Scam Signal’s partnership with UK banks couldn’t come at a better time. This growing threat and increased pressure from new regulation mandating reimbursements highlights the need for banks to adopt more preventative solutions to minimise their exposure to risk. 

JT has successfully concluded a pilot workshop aimed at attracting individuals who have been out of the workforce for an extended period. This initiative highlights JT’s commitment to building a sustainable business while growing a diverse and inclusive culture.

Recognising that those not in education, employment, or training often feel overlooked, JT has taken a proactive approach to dispel the myths and highlight the relevance and transferability of their skills and experience.

The workshop was designed to demonstrate JT’s flexible, inclusive, and accommodating work environment. To achieve this, current employees, particularly those who work part-time, are parents or carers, or have made significant career changes later in life, stepped up to represent the business. These advocates shared their personal experiences, providing attendees with authentic insights into life at JT.

Laura Belo, Head of Human Resources at JT, explained: “We wanted to offer a return-to-work workshop to introduce people to our business, our products and services, values, and our inclusive working practices. While we are very actively engaged with schools and colleges on the island through enrichment workshops, talks, and career fairs, we recognised a gap in our outreach efforts. This workshop was an opportunity to connect with those not in education, employment, or training, understand their needs, and explore how we can help them and benefit from their talents.”

In 2023, only 30% of applicants for positions at JT were female, despite women comprising approximately 50% of the working population. This discrepancy highlighted the need to address misconceptions about working in telecommunications. The workshop, held in collaboration with Back to Work earlier this month, has helped in part to successfully portray real life at JT.

Joanna Baran, Back to Work Recruitment Officer at Business Hub, said: ‘’Our clients found the workshop insightful and enjoyable; it offered valuable guidance for transitioning back to the workplace, and the interactive sessions made the experience both engaging and practical.”

The results of the workshop have been promising, of the applications received since the workshop, 50% of them have already been offered a role at JT, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiative in reaching out to and supporting those who have been out of the workforce.

Laura added ‘’By engaging with a broader demographic and being able to let them see for themselves the diverse and supportive environment we have at JT, its given us an additional opportunity to expand our talent pipeline and support our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. This initiative is a testament to JT’s belief that everyone has valuable skills and experiences to contribute, regardless of their time away from the workforce.

For more information about employment opportunities at JT, please visit our website or contact our HR department.

One year into a major infrastructure project, JT Group is delighted to announce that the programme to build the Channel Islands’ next-generation mobile networks is not only on schedule but has achieved a pivotal milestone by entering the testing phase.

5G technology promises unprecedented speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity, revolutionising industries and transforming communication. While its benefits are already enjoyed across Asia, the US, and most major UK towns and cities, rigorous testing across various stages of deployment and operation is essential to realise its full potential in the Channel Islands. This involves lab-testing environments and real everyday scenarios.

A dedicated state-of-the-art test lab, a separate controlled space replicating the network production environment, has now been established in Jersey. This facility will enable engineers to test changes before implementation, ensuring network performance and reliability.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “Reaching this exciting and critical phase on time is a testament to the exceptional skills of our team. The meticulous testing required to ensure network performance and reliability is of utmost importance. This new test environment represents a significant step towards achieving the technological transformation needed to meet future demands for Channel Islanders.”

The project includes mobile network modernisation and upgrades to JT’s Radio Access Network (RAN), Transport/Transmission and Core Network infrastructure and associated Network Management and operations tools. Beginning last year, the project features Ericsson’s advanced telecommunications solutions, software and services, especially the latest energy-efficient features, supporting a sustainable network evolution. In tandem with this project, JT continues its progress to simplify, digitise, and automate its processes, systems, and customer offerings, aligning with today’s consumer, business, home, and industry needs.

Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson, UK and Ireland, said: “Our collaboration with JT is driven by a shared vision for next-generation connectivity. New technologies and architectures bring both benefits and challenges. The start of testing marks an exciting step towards completing a next-generation network, promising enhanced connectivity and innovation for the Channel Islands.”

Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey, said: “This substantial investment by JT will ensure islanders have access to the opportunities that new technology brings. Focusing on the future, this development of a next-generation mobile network is about more than improved connectivity; it is about building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for generations to come. This lab will evaluate equipment performance and validate new technologies, ensuring that the islands remain at the forefront of communications technology, offering access to cutting-edge services and products.”

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, added: “We are committed to building a network that delivers exceptional connectivity and encourages innovation, powering new services for consumers and businesses and contributing to the digital transformation and economic growth of Channel Islands. All things going well, we remain on track to deploy 5G by the end of 2025.”

Did you know that a staggering two-thirds of all reported fraudulent transactions can be traced back to mobile phones? As we increasingly bank, shop, and socialise online, smartphones have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Techniques such as SIM Swap fraud, Authorised Push Payment, and Call-forwarding fraud are commonly used to deceive customers.

At JT, we fully recognise the dangers of financial fraud. That’s why we created JT Mobile Intelligence, giving us a unique edge. Our solutions and products, used the world over, verify identities, authenticates transactions, and detects fraud, safeguarding businesses and their customers. These tools are crucial for effective KYC processes, because at the end of the day, happy customers are the core of any business.

Our Chief Product Officer, Tom Noel, explains more about how JT is making a difference, read here.