Phone users across Ireland have been targeted by scam robocalls using spoofed UK numbers in recent weeks, with an automated voice often pretending to be calling on behalf of banks or government agencies
Scam alert stock photo(Image: Getty Images)
A significant surge in scam robocalls has been noted in recent weeks, with the calls seemingly originating from UK-based phone numbers starting with the country code +44.
Phone users nationwide have voiced their complaints about these fraudulent calls, with some stating they’ve received multiple calls within a single day.
Upon answering the call, an automated voice typically begins speaking, often posing as a representative from job websites, banks, or even the Department of Social Welfare. The voice may then request you to save the UK phone number to WhatsApp and send them a text for further details, all part of a scheme to rob your sensitive information.
Many individuals have started blocking the +44 numbers after receiving such calls. However, it’s likely that the scammers are using spoofed numbers, meaning they’re masking their own Caller ID and utilising someone else’s number to make the call.
If you attempt to return the call to the spoofed number, often a person unaware that their number is being misused will answer, reports RSVP Live.
ComReg, the statutory body in charge of regulating electronic communications, has issued a statement promising to clamp down on scam calls and soon introduce a feature to block calls made from spoofed numbers.
The five measures that ComReg has implemented so far to tackle scam calls include:
Do-Not-Originate List – Allows businesses and organisations to secure their numbers by blocking numbers not used to contact consumers.Protected Numbers List – To stop fraudsters using phone numbers that have not been allocated to a telecoms operator prior to entering service.Fixed CLI Call Blocking – To stop fraudsters abroad spoofing Irish geographic numbers (e.g., 01-) to make scam voice calls.Mobile CLI Call Blocking – To stop fraudsters abroad spoofing Irish mobile numbers to make scam voice calls.Voice Firewall – To block scam calls if they arise (i.e., Ireland or abroad) and protect against future, more sophisticated scams.
The initial four measures alone have blocked more than 131 million fraudulent calls in slightly over two years, with ComReg pledging to launch the fifth measure, Voice Firewall, during the first half of 2026.
The Voice Firewall’s effectiveness should offer crucial protection against fraudulent calls, particularly those that disguise international numbers. This adaptive measure employs sophisticated real-time call data analysis and machine learning to identify and respond to abnormal patterns in call signalling information, traffic levels, and call source locations.
A statement published on ComReg’s website emphasises that individuals must stay alert when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers: “While regulatory interventions are critical in combating scams, everyone has a role to play. Consumers should remain vigilant, recognising that awareness and caution are key to scam prevention.
“ComReg continues to advise the public to be prudent with all calls and SMSs that they receive, and avoid clicking on or using URLs and/or providing personal information, such as bank details, PPS numbers, or credit card details.”
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