KYC Checks have been a Telecoms industry standard for many years now, but what is the reason behind them and why are we required to request the information from our customers?
What are Know Your Customer (KYC) Checks?
Know Your Customer Checks, commonly referred to as KYC Checks, are a way of Telecoms providers ensuring that they know who they are providing a service to, and are only usually triggered when either a customer states that they are operating as a business or are behaving like a business. If you’re using a number casually or for personal use, you likely won’t need to fill out any forms unless there’s a specific requirement.
KYC checks are simple and easy to fill out, requiring only a few details such as your business’s name, email address, information about the business address and what the intended use of the service is, or in some cases information like your Companies House registration number. This is all to simply verify that you are a legitimate business who is using the number provided for legitimate reasons.
Why Do We Do Them?
- To prevent fraud and protect your number. Verifying your identity helps stop criminals from using telecom services for scams, spam calls, or impersonation. KYC checks help keep your number safe from misuse.
- To comply with UK laws and regulations. We’re required by law to carry out basic identity checks under telecom regulations set out by OFCOM. These rules help keep the UK’s communication systems secure and transparent. The requirement was first implemented under OFCOM’s ‘Good Practice Guide’ in 2022.
- To maintain call quality and protect our network. When fraudulent enterprises gain access to phone numbers or services, it can disrupt call quality and damage trust in the network. KYC helps us maintain a smooth service experience for everyone.
What Happens if I Don’t Complete the KYC Form?
We understand that some users might be unsure about providing business details. However, without a completed KYC form, we may be unable to activate or maintain certain services, especially those linked to business usage.
This helps us meet our legal obligations and ensure your number isn’t misused or flagged by other networks.
In Summary
KYC checks are a simple but essential step in keeping the UK’s telecom infrastructure safe, legal, and reliable. They’re quick to complete and they help us help you.
References:
OFCOM, Good Practice Guide 2022, https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/232890-good-practice-guide-on-sub-allocated-and-assigned-numbers/associated-documents/statement-good-practice-guide.pdf?v=328766
