In the news

article

An Easy-to-Deploy Fraud-Control Handshake for Voice Operators is Here: When Will it Takeoff?

In this interview, Vasily Birulin discusses how the Trusted Communications Superheroes at AB Handshake are protecting the world, one call at a time. The upstart company introduced a new, low cost and easy to implement solution that can have a major industry impact when influential operators and/or regulators adopt it. AB Handshake is a perfect example of iconectiv’s Traffic Fraud Fighters.
Dec 5, 2022
article

Interview with ABC: Here's how thieves may use your phone to steal from you

ABC Austin’s Erica Proffer cautions viewers of fraudsters that are taking advantage of the holiday shopping season using text scams. In an interview, iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, provides expert information on why scammers are heading towards texts. Cray explains that text messages are more likely to be opened and engaged with than an email scam. Some common text scams this season include information on gift cards or shipping delays. iconectiv advises viewers to be wary of texts with a sense of urgency, requests for personal information or sent from a standard 10-digit phone number. Cray explains that large companies will often use short codes. These are more trustworthy due to the vetting and monitoring process to ensure they are not being exploited or used for scams.
Nov 23, 2022
article

Interview with NBC: Tips to avoid scams this holiday season

NBC Austin’s Sam Stark warns viewers of scams to be aware of going into the holiday shopping season. In an interview, Senior Vice President at iconectiv, George Cray, recommends that viewers look to short codes, as opposed to 10-digit phone numbers, as a sign of legitimacy. Companies must undergo a vetting process to obtain a short code, and in the event the company violates the terms, they must surrender the code. Cray also advises viewers that texts with a sense of urgency or a link are likely scams.
Nov 22, 2022
article

Interview with CBS: Avoiding Holiday Text Scams

CBS Chattanooga’s Nick Hill reports on how fraudsters are taking advantage of the holiday shopping season through texting scams. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. CBS explains the concept of smishing: text messages that are designed to install spyware or steal other personal data. Cray advises viewers to beware of text messages with links and a sense of urgency. Hill describes the common situations these hackers will try to present, including verifying gift cards, falsely claiming delivery delays, or claiming they need more information to complete a delivery.
Nov 14, 2022
article

Interview with CBS: TECH BYTE: Don’t Fall for Political Texting Scams

CBS Chattanooga’s TECH BYTE reports on how fraudsters are taking advantage of the election season through texting scams. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. Cray explains how Americans lost $86 million last election cycle from texting scams, and this year could be even worse. Money isn’t the only thing scammers are after, viewers are also warned to watch out for scammers spreading misinformation.
Nov 4, 2022
article

Interview with CBS: Scammers cracking down, jumping into your phone with political texts as elections inch closer

Steve Sbraccia of CBS Raleigh reports on how scammers are taking advantage of the election season to steal personal information. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. Cray advises viewers to be wary of texts with a sense of urgency and sent from 10-digit numbers. Real candidates and campaigns can undergo a vetting process to obtain a 5/6-digit number (a short code), making these numbers more trustworthy for voters.
Oct 28, 2022
article

Tips for protecting yourself against political texting fraud

Terrence Lee of FOX Chicago reports on the increasing amount of text scams sent out as election season gets underway. In a live interview, iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, provides expert tips on identifying scam text messages sent from fraudsters posing as candidates or campaigns. Cray warns viewers to watch out for requests for personal data, embedded links and messages with a sense of urgency. Cray also explains that text messages from 5/6-digit numbers (short codes) are more reputable due to the vetting process candidates/campaigns undergo to obtain the code.
Oct 24, 2022

Press Releases

Media Contact:
Sharon Oddy
Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
+1 732 699-5130
soddy@iconectiv.com

press release

iconectiv Enables Fixed Number Portability in Argentina

For over a decade, iconectiv—the world leader in number portability and ambassador for trusted communication—has played a key role in enabling number portability across Argentina. On September 20, 2022, Argentina became one of the six countries in the world that support both fixed and wireless number portability, powered by iconectiv’s Number Portability Clearinghouse solution. This expansion provides choice and convenience to consumers and businesses and drives innovation among communication providers. The addition of fixed number portability helps Argentina's regulators more efficiently manage and optimize national numbering resources.
Nov 15, 2022
press release

Global Trend of Origin-Based Rating Creates Major Revenue Opportunities for Network Service Providers

Network Service Providers are looking for new income streams to offset shrinking voice, data revenues and margins. If they implement OBR quickly and correctly, it can be a major new source of revenue — and enable them to avoid penalties and surcharges that can be 3,000% over standard termination rates. iconectiv’s TruNumber Protect can be added to Network Service Providers’ existing rating and billing solutions to immediately and accurately determine the correct charges and surcharges.
Nov 14, 2022
press release

iconectiv’s Carolyn Knight Joins CFCA Consumer Education Committee Focused on Fraud Prevention

iconectiv’s Senior Account Manager for the Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) team, Carolyn Knight, has joined the Communications Fraud Control Association’s (CFCA) Consumer Education Committee. This committee focuses on arming consumers with information to help protect themselves from becoming victims of communications fraud. As a committee member, Carolyn will work closely with other industry professionals to create the educational resources consumers and businesses need to safeguard against fraudsters.
Nov 8, 2022
press release

With Illegal Robocalls Serving as the Gateway to Financial and Identity Fraud, What Can the Telecom Industry Do to Shut Them Down?

Illegal robocalls not only are a complete nuisance but, when effective, can serve as a gateway for fraudulent activities. Which is why 75% of calls from unknown or unrecognizable numbers go unanswered, and also the reason why the Federal Communications Commission enacted the SHAKEN/STIR framework mandate for communications service providers (CSPs) across the U.S.
Oct 19, 2022
press release

As Messaging Reigns Supreme for Communications Between Consumers and Brands, iconectiv Messaging Expert Provides Insights on What Businesses Should Know

Nearly 70% of consumer brand interactions shifted to messaging during the pandemic – a trend that is expected to continue as nearly 65% of the global population send and receive SMS messages, including 80% of the population in North America. As both businesses and consumers continue to lean into messaging, there are several options for them to consider - from short codes and 10-digit long codes (10DLC) to toll-free numbers, rich communications services and more. 

Oct 4, 2022
press release

iconectiv Trusted Communication Superheroes Speak Out About Protecting Financial Services Firms and Their Customers from Fraudsters

At MWC Las Vegas Panel Discussion, iconectiv’s George Cray Describes How the Industry is Fighting the Rise of Fraud and its Financial Fallout
Sep 14, 2022
press release

iconectiv Telecom Numbering Expert Natalie McNamer Elected Co-chair of ATIS Industry Numbering Committee (INC)

iconectiv’s senior numbering expert Natalie McNamer has been elected co-chair of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) Industry Numbering Committee (INC) by committee members for a two-year term. McNamer will oversee key initiatives associated with the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) numbering resources. This includes efficiently allocating and conserving telephone numbers, which uses extend beyond business and consumer phones to IoT and machine-to-machine devices and more.
Aug 24, 2022