ComReg is aware that scam calls can take on many forms, therefore, ComReg advises consumers to be vigilant at all times.
We would advise consumers that returning calls to unknown international numbers can be costly and we advise consumers to exercise caution when they receive a missed call from such numbers.
- Be wary of multiple calls/missed calls being received from the same number that you are unfamiliar with
- Do not call back any number that you don’t recognise where there is a blank or no voicemail message left
- If you dial back an unknown number by mistake, hang up immediately on calls where there appears to be no recipient on the other end or where you are left on hold
- If you have friends or relatives abroad that may be calling you, store their number (including the country prefix) in your phone and be aware of the prefix for the country where they might be calling from
- If you are getting persistent missed calls from an unknown number, or if you return a call to an unknown number, contact your service provider in the first instance and follow their code of practice, details of which are available on their website
- Some phones have the capability of allowing you to block a nuisance number from contacting you. You should check your phone manual to see if this is a feature of your handset
- Do not provide any personal information, for example, banking details/PPS number/credit card details/name and address/passport numbers etc.
Unfortunately there is no way to identify a scam call number, and they can resemble a very normal, familiar, geographical or international number that we would come across on a daily basis.
