Devices behind millions of scams texts finally set to be banned with huge fines

The Government has announced that SIM farms - which are used by fraudsters to send millions of messages every year - will be outlawed with those found to have them facing unlimited fines
The UK will become Europe's first nation to ban equipment that can send thousands of scam text messages in the battle against cruel fraudsters.
People found with SIM farms - devices which hold several SIM cards - will face unlimited fines in England and Wales under new laws. Millions of unsuspecting victims receive con messages each year, with official data showing fraud cases are spiralling.
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Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: 'Two-thirds of British adults say they've received a suspicious message on their phone - equivalent to more than 35 million people – which is why cracking down on SIM farms is so vital to protecting the public.
'This marks a leap forward in our fight against fraud and will provide law enforcement and industry partners the clarity they need to protect the public from this shameful crime."
Figures show fraud shot up by 19% last year, accounting for 40% of all reported crime in England and Wales last year. The SIM farm ban will take effect six months after the Crime and Policing Bill becomes law, the Home Office said.
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Industry leaders welcomed the move. Rachel Andrews, Head of Corporate Security at Vodafone UK, said: 'As an industry, UK telecoms operators have blocked more than 1 billion suspected scam messages since 2023.
"However, we cannot fully tackle fraud in isolation, collaboration between industry and government is crucial." And Nick Sharp, deputy director for fraud at the National Crime Agency, said: "We know that fraud at scale is being facilitated by SIM farms, which give criminals a means and an opportunity to contact victims at scale with relative ease.
'The ban announced today is very welcome. It will give us a vital tool to step up our fight against fraudsters, target the services they rely on, and better protect the public.'

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Wales Online

14 minutes ago

• Wales Online

Energy costs to be cut for businesses in Wales in new industrial strategy

Energy costs to be cut for businesses in Wales in new industrial strategy The electric arc steel furnace being built at Port Talbot steelworks is one of the businesses that will be benefit The steelworks in Port Talbot, where a new electric arc furnace is to be installed (Image: Getty Images ) The UK Government says that the planned electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks will be boosted by plans to slash electricity costs for the industry by 25%. A new industrial strategy published by the UK Government is promising to cut energy costs for some 7,000 businesses across the UK to help companies in the face of energy costs that are among the highest in Europe. ‌ The new Tata furnace at Port Talbot, which comes into operation in three years time in 2028, will be among those to benefit according to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. ‌ The new 'British industrial competitiveness scheme' will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Firms which support over 300,000 skilled jobs across the UK will be exempt from paying levies such as the renewables obligation, feed-in tariffs and the capacity market in a move to help "level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive". The strategy, published today, promises increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade for Wales. Article continues below It saysiits measures will "forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business". It promises to "unlock growth across Wales", by utilising the country's strengths in aerospace in north Wales to the world's first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. It says that more than 7,000 UK businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% in "a decisive shift" to support industry and unlock the UK's economic potential. ‌ The UK Government also plans to increase support for the most energy-intensive firms, like steel, chemicals, and glass, by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British industry supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. Key measures for Wales The following eight measures have been identified as key for Wales. More than £4 billion for the advanced manufacturing sector in the UK over the next five years. UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University. A defence growth deal cluster to build on Wales's major strengths. A new British business bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. £30m for a local innovation partnerships fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation. The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. Support for the UK's city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m strategic sites accelerator, enhanced regional support from the office for investment, national wealth fund, and British business bank. Strengthened support from the office for investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities across the UK. ‌ Ten year plan The industrial strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth, with the aim of making it "quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, and to give businesses the confidence to invest and create good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries". The UK Government's plans says it addresses the main barriers to growth, making it "easier and quicker" to do business and invest in Wales. The published plan of action is as follows: ‌ Slashing electricity costs by 20-25% to level the playing field for industries like chemicals and key growth sectors like automotive. Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business by increasing British business bank capacity to £25.6 billion. Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. Boosting R&D spending to £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2 billion for AI over the spending review, and £2.8 billion for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years, in a bid to leverage billions more from private investors. Attracting elite global talent to key sectors, via visa and migrations reforms and a new the 'global talent taskforce'. Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness. What's been said... Prime minister Keir Starmer said: 'This industrial strategy marks a turning point for Britain's economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past. 'In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people's pockets as part of the plan for change. ‌ 'This is how we power Britain's future - by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear - Britain is back and open for business.' Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Wales has huge potential and our government's industrial strategy will harness the strengths of our businesses and workforce to drive growth and create jobs. 'The strategy will support key sectors like aerospace and compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader. 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'Not only does this strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial energy prices globally competitive. ‌ 'Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they've faced – this government has listened, and now we're taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better of is what this government promised and what we will deliver.' Chairwoman of Fintech Wales, Sarah Williams-Gardener, said: 'We are delighted to see financial services recognised as a key sector in this industrial strategy. We look forward to working closely with the government to help unlock the sector's full potential. 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This approach will create the perfect environment for start-ups and scale-ups to thrive, knowing they have both the infrastructure, skills and strategic support to take their innovations from Wales to the world."

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25 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Are YOU a confident investor? Why 40% say they aren't - and the top tip from those who are

Only a fifth of retail investors consider themselves very confident investors, and a majority of those less confident say it is because they are worried about losing money. Just 57 per cent of amateur retail investors said they felt confident according to data from investment trust Alliance Witan. Almost three quarters, 71 per cent, of those who weren't confident said their investment decisions are held back for fear of losing out. Alliance Witan surveyed 1,000 adults with investable assets of more than £10,000, and 410 of those had made a loss on an investment in the past five years. Almost a third of those lacking confidence said they don't think they have enough knowledge to invest, placing a dearth of financial education as one of the key causes for a lack of UK investors. This isn't changing, either, as figures from Boon Brokers reveal that 74 per cent of young people weren't aware of having been taught any financial education at school. However, 41 per cent of confident investors said they had increased their knowledge of the subject by reading books and online resources to ensure they could make informed decisions. The Government is considering reforms to cash Isas in a bid to push more savers towards investing their assets as part of an 'investing culture' Even for those who do feel that they know what they are doing, many face concerns such as needing access to money they could otherwise invest. Some 27 per cent said this was the main reason they were worried, while a further 31 per cent cited concerns over the world's economic climate is their main worry. Combined, this leaves a stark divide between those investing and those keeping all their cash in savings. According to the Financial Conduct Authority, some 90 per cent of adults have cash savings, but just 35 per cent have investments. Mark Atkinson, senior director at WTW, which manages the Alliance Witan Trust, said: 'Encouraging people to invest is a key priority for the Government - not only because it helps boost the economy, but it also puts consumers on a better financial footing.' The Government is considering reforms to cash Isas in a bid to push more savers towards investing their assets as part of an 'investing culture' and provide Britain with a much-needed boost. However, there are concerns that slashing cash Isa allowances from their current £20,000 could instead see savers place their money in savings accounts paying lower interest rates, rather than investing. This is largely due to the knowledge gap that exists around investing and the perceived risks of doing so. While investing does carry risk, the benefits of investing are clear over the long term, with investing returns routinely beating those offered by cash savings. Atkinson said: 'Crucially, successful investing means investing for the long term - typically more than five years. So the aim is for that pot to be untouched. 'That means that investing money should only be done once a good-sized cash pot has been built up, ready for use in an emergency.' How to be a confident investor Of those investors who were confident, half said their main piece of advice was to build an emergency fund before committing any money to investing. It is normally recommended than an emergency fund should consist of between three to six months' income. Atkinson said: 'Those starting out should heed the advice of more seasoned investors, and build up their confidence with tried-and-true methods of investing. 'History tells us that those who keep their holdings well diversified and allow their returns to compound over time will ultimately stand a good chance of building wealth in the long-term, and be all the more comfortable for it.' Some 39 per cent of confident investors said they choose options like funds and trusts that are already diversified across geographies, sectors and strategies, instead of just picking single stocks. Atkinson added: 'Lower risk investing vehicles such as global equity multi-manager funds that are typically spread across a wide range of geographies, sectors and styles, can be more insulated from volatility than funds run by a single manager, but that doesn't mean that there won't be fluctuations in value. 'It's an old but true adage - time in the market is more valuable than time out of it.'

Daily Mirror

32 minutes ago

• Daily Mirror

Transfer updates as Arsenal face Sesko U-turn while Liverpool agree deal

We're a week into the second transfer window of the summer and already the British transfer record has been broken. Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal which could end up costing them £116m. And the Reds' business is not over. Arne Slot's side have reached an agreement for a £40m deal to sign Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, who is set for a medical this week. And the Reds are also keen on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, but they have Arsenal for company. While Jarell Quansah could depart the club. The Gunners are pushing for Benjamin Sesko as they eye a new frontman, but the RB Leipzig star's demands could still scupper the deal. Perhaps a move for Viktor Gyokeres is not yet off the table however. Confirmation of Martin Zubimendi's transfer may not happen until next month. Manchester United are also in the market for a forward having already added Matheus Cunha. But exits will equally be on Ruben Amorim's mind. United have yet to part ways with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony or Alejandro Garnacho. And the club may need the financial boost with significant prices quoted for the likes of Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo. Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have to an agreement over their third deal of the summer with Jarell Quansah set to exit Anfield. Reports claim a £35m deal has been agreed with the Reds including a buy-back clause in the transfer. Quansah is set to commit to a five-year contract. Jadon Sancho has yet to find an exit from Manchester United but is said to be willing to move to Italy. One route out of the club may be dependent on another deal failing first however. Repoorts in Italy suggest that a move from Juventus for 25-year-old depends on whether they sign Francisco Conceicao from Porto. It's not all going smoothly for Arsenal as they attempt to finally sign a new forward. Arsenal are said to be growing frustrated with Benjamin Sesko's wage demands as they look to wrap up a deal for a new striker this summer. And while the club are ready to pay £70m for the RB Leipzig star, talks with Sesko's camp over his wages are not going smoothly. Thanks for joining us for another day of transfer news. We're a week into the second window and there's plenty more still to happen before the Premier League restarts.