Guardian Security

Regulator acts on leasing of ‘global title’ numbers after industry efforts to tackle problem were ineffective

The UK communications regulator is banning mobile operators from leasing numbers that can be used by criminals to intercept and divert calls and messages, including security codes sent by banks to customers.

Ofcom said it would stop the leasing of “global titles”, special types of phone numbers used by mobile networks to support services to make sure messages and calls reach the intended recipient.

Join a loyalty scheme and you often get a reward or discount on your special day – but it may have strings attached

Celebrating your birthday isn’t just about getting presents and cards from family and friends. Signing up to loyalty schemes and newsletters can give you access to a host of freebies, deals and discounts from retailers to mark the big day.

With my birthday on the horizon I decided to look at what was on offer, and see which gifts came with some small print.