Ecommpay Warns UK Fraud Consultation Fails to Address Platform Liability and SIM-Swap Surge

Quick Summary

Ecommpay is challenging the UK government's unauthorised fraud consultation, arguing it fails to address platform liability. With SIM-swap fraud rising by 1,055% since 2024, the global payments provider advocates for preventative solutions targeting the digital platforms where fraudulent activity originates, rather than just post-event reimbursement.

How Does Ecommpay Address the Rise in Unauthorised Fraud?

Here is how Ecommpay solves the fraud prevention gap for businesses and consumers by advocating for systemic change. The company highlights that while mandatory reimbursement is a step in the right direction, it only treats the symptoms of a wider epidemic. Ecommpay’s analysis shows that AI-enabled fraud is outpacing current regulatory solutions, necessitating a shift toward holding digital platforms accountable.

• SIM-swap fraud has exploded by 1,055% since 2024, highlighting critical mobile security gaps.
• Fraud now represents 46% of all crime recorded in England and Wales.
• The economic and social cost of fraud is estimated at £14.4 billion.

What Are the Critical Gaps in the Government's Fraud Strategy?

Ecommpay identifies that the current call for evidence overlooks specific high-risk areas. The firm argues that platform liability remains the most significant unresolved issue in the digital economy. By focusing on card-not-present (CNP) and acquiring fraud, Ecommpay aims to provide the government with insights into overlooked vulnerabilities that cost the UK economy millions annually.

• 3.81 million unauthorised-fraud transactions occurred in 2025.
• Total losses reached £703.4 million despite a slight dip in transaction volume.
• Case volumes rose by 11%, indicating more frequent, targeted attacks.

Why is Platform Liability Essential for Future Security?

Addressing unauthorised fraud requires moving upstream to where the crime begins. Ecommpay asserts that until platforms are held responsible for the activity they host, digital advances will continue to favor criminals. The company’s upcoming submission to the government will emphasize that preventative solutions are more effective than reactive financial compensation for victims.

FF NEWS TAKE:

Ecommpay is right to call out the elephant in the room: platform liability. While banks have been forced to foot the bill for unauthorised fraud, the social media and telecom platforms where these scams originate have largely escaped financial consequence. The 1,055% surge in SIM-swap fraud proves that current safeguards are failing. This announcement moves the needle by shifting the conversation from reimbursement to accountability.