Are you looking to know about the Ofcom scam calls? If you are curious enough to know about this recent scam, you should pursue to read till the end. Then, in that case, your search ends here. This article will get complete information regarding these scam calls and the steps that network providers are take to stop this issue.
Ofcom is a telecommunication network provided by the United Kingdom. Out of nowhere, in 2021, people who are using other networks are getting scam calls that tell them to switch their networks. More than 50 million people got this over the last three months, and this issue is addressed to all the network providers. Let us all the details regarding it.
What are Ofcom scam calls?
UK communications providers have agreed to block VoIP calls made from abroad if they claim to be from a UK number under new plans from Ofcom to battle the rising number of fraudulent calls.
The regulator recently revealed that a suspicious call or text had targeted 45 million people over the summer. It believes that part of the problem is the ease at which scammers can make it look like they are calling from a British phone number.
Using a UK-based number helps provide the pretense of legitimacy and makes it more likely that a scam will be successful.
Generally, the regulator wants operators to implement protection measures as a matter of urgency, believing that such action will significantly reduce the volume of fraudulent communications. It is said that one operator has already enabled the capability while others are still exploring technical solutions.
Why are these scam calls happening?
There are plenty of legitimate reasons for using VoIP. International Ofcom scam calls made using Internet services are popular because they are often cheaper than analog phone systems. At the same time, the shift to hybrid working necessitated by the pandemic has driven the adoption of platforms like Microsoft Teams.
Some businesses use VoIP systems to have a local landline number even when using a mobile phone to inspire confidence in customers and others have virtual receptionist services.
Although some observers have acknowledged potential discrimination against such use cases, Ofcom believes the technology makes it easy to stage large-scale scams and that its action will prevent hundreds of millions of calls a year.
What are the steps that are being taken?
Phone providers are to automatically block online calls from abroad that are made to look like they come from UK numbers as part of efforts to crack down on the rise in foreign scams. The communications regulator regarding Ofcom scam calls said it had been working with telecoms companies to tackle the “complex problem” and would introduce the new measures “at pace.”
The Telegraph, which first reported the news, said the regulator was also considering whether customers should be forced to show ID when buying multiple sim cards, which fraudsters can use to send millions of text messages to victims. Ofcom revealed last week that scam calls and texts had targeted 45 million people in the UK during the summer and said it was particularly concerned about a “significant rise” in fraudulent communication over the past 18 months.
Are you the only one who is facing this?
The regulator said tactics used by fraudsters had become increasingly sophisticated, such as spoofing the numbers of well-known UK companies and organizations. Foreign criminals have increasingly been deploying internet-based technologies to carry out their scams.
Fraudulent calls continue to plague older adults, many of whom still use landlines. About 60% of over-75s reported receiving a suspicious call to their landline over the past three months. Younger people are more vulnerable to text fraud. Three-quarters of 16- to 34-year-olds have been targeted by such scams.
Ofcom said that tackling the problem of foreign phone scams required coordinated efforts by the police, the government, and the telecoms industry. “We’ve been working with telecoms companies to implement technical solutions, including blocking at source suspicious international calls that are masked by a United Kingdom number,” said Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s networks and communications group director.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have put in front of you the essential information about Ofcom scam calls. All the network providers have noticed it, and they are on the way to solving this issue soon.
Have you ever been into these scam calls? If so, mention your experience in the comment section.