As the number of fraud cases involving CLI (Calling Line Identification) spoofing increases rapidly in Latvia, LMT has developed and implemented a new solution for identifying and automatically blocking fraudulent calls with spoofed numbers. Over the first seven days of operation, the system prevented more than 240,000 fraudulent call attempts, blocking up to 70% of fraudulent international calls and thereby significantly reducing risks for LMT customers.
Additionally, LMT is the first operator to begin testing information exchange between electronic communications service providers (LMT, Bite Latvija, Tele2, Tet) to restrict fraud involving Latvian mobile numbering; this is a critical step toward protecting the Latvian public from fraud as a whole. Expansion of the solution is planned for the future.
The call fraud method works as follows: criminals use a spoofed phone number to give the victim the impression that the call originates from a trusted source. Although the call appears to come from a Latvian number, it is actually performed primarily by overseas fraudsters who illegally modify the numbering. The new operator solution will restrict such instances to the maximum extent possible.
Restricting fraud has been a primary agenda item for mobile operators for several years. LMT regularly invests in its internal systems, the development of new solutions, and public education regarding security in the digital environment. LMT is the only provider in Latvia to include a cybersecurity tool in all internet-enabled connections that warns of dangerous links and blocks access to them. In 2025, it prevented more than 1 billion cyber threats from 104 million malicious sites.
Fraudster activity continues to grow, and it is our duty to protect customers through both effective technological solutions and industry-wide cooperation. The initial results show we are moving in the right direction – in the first few days, the system already prevented more than 240,000 fraudulent call attempts for LMT customers. However, it remains vital to remember that the security chain is only as strong as its weakest link: every service user must remain vigilant and informed about fraudulent activities,
emphasizes Juris Binde, President of the LMT Group.Working closely with the Public Utilities Commission (SPRK) and consulting with the Data State Inspectorate, LMT has developed a technical-organizational solution together with other industry players. This allows operators to exchange information regarding caller numbers used for international calls that exhibit signs of numbering fraud, enabling the prompt blocking of fraudulent calls. Currently, four voice electronic communications service providers have joined the initiative; however, as dozens of such providers operate in Latvia, the obligation to use this solution should be extended to all market participants handling international call loads.
It must be noted that fraudsters easily switch from calls using Latvian numbers to freely chosen foreign numbers or alternative communication channels – websites, email, SMS, social media, iMessage, RCS Messaging, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, etc. – therefore, technical solutions are only one part of the overall defence mechanism. Restricting cybercrime requires not only technological development but also a change in public habits.
Therefore, LMT invites the public to remain cognizant of these four essential security principles:
- Data is an asset – review what information about you is publicly available (e.g., on social media and communication sites) and hide what the entire internet does not need to know.
- Digital protection – use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and device updates.
- Critical thinking – do not trust calls or messages that create a sense of urgency or express inappropriate friendliness; always verify the source of information.
- Reporting – provide information about fraud attempts, as every report helps stop broader schemes.