Fraudulent calls

[#1]

I have just received 2 calls in quick succession from 01419563010, BT telling me my internet security has been breached etc.

Whilst if you could even understand the poor English you wouldn't be fooled by it, I was more annoyed to find that internet reports of this number start from 18/7/19 and it is still up and running.

Isn't it time that all providers have to provide an easy reporting system and get fined by the hour for the time these scams are allowed to run?

Running to two pages for the number being reported on one site and 139 searches on another.

[#2]

@bodgem These calls are usually made from the Indian sub-continent by individuals using VoIP phones, and 'spoofing' the display number. It is physically impossible for UK providers  to prevent them - you would have to hope that the originating countries had either the will or technology to do so - and they haven't.

Reporting this type of call is pointless.

[#3]

Although I'd tend to agree, there is nothing about the word 'impossible'. In a computer age, all it takes is will power to block such calls ever getting here. If it was all set up properly from day one, such spoofing should be impossible. Sadly, we are slowly waking up and doing something about the problem. ISP's are starting to crack down as to spam emails. Yes, we aren't there yet but then Rome wasn't built in a day. Same with server setups, the server should automatically prove that the call / email came from where it claims to be from. Not proven, instant rejections. Too simple? Maybe. But it is what is required.

Currently the easiest way to block such emails / calls would be to block by country. Shock, horror! There are only 3 countries in the world that I expect messages to originate from. The rest I can easily do without (I do block certain domain endings by default e.g.  .ru .nl etc). I don't ever see them. Does it bother me? Not one bit. There should be a nice easy "allow / block" list. Currently, it is mostly down to the person receiving the junk. Re-inventing the wheel every time.

Strange though, I have never got any spam messages / calls to my mobile. Maybe my provider is already on the case. The landline? That got consigned to history years ago. Never plugged in.

Moderator's note by Mike (Mav): Full quote of preceding post removed as per Forum rules.

[#4]

@idonno I understand what you are saying, but the blocking by country (for example) would have to be on an individual end-user basis, otherwise you'd end up blocking legitimate calls?

I get very few spam calls/texts to my mobiles - in fact I can count on one hand the number I have had on my original mobile number - which I've had for at a guess 20+ years, and none on my back-up (5 year-old) one.

[#5]

Do the authorities in those countries have the facilities to identify and block such calls, if so pressure could be applied to make sure such calls are blocked at source.

We cannot be the only country in the world who get these scam calls, perhaps these are issues the EU should be dealing with ?

[#6]

@gleneagles Quite a simple answer: No they don't, and neither do anyone else - at the moment - the internet is a wonderful thing, but unless you want a Chinese/North Korean/Russian style state-controlled web, it is not possible. Also, the area most of these calls come from is not renowned for its law-enforcement capabilities.

As to the EU - by the time that monolith got its act together, things would have moved from whatever crazy regulations they developed, and we would be back at square one. In any case, come October, we will be outta there.

[#7]

I understand the authorities can track people despite their use of vpn's / onion and all the rest so why the problem with phone calls the initial source can be tracked if the authorities have a need to do so ?

[#8]

Yes, they can @gleneagles , but in most Western countries, that is only done if they have lawful reason to do so, and the manpower/time to. In any case, we could only ask the countries we suspect the calls are originating in and I don't think we would get that much co-operation.

With regards to these phone calls, we are not talking about the West, but about Asia, which has a completely different mind-set and approach.

[#9]

There are simple answers to these issues but BT appear to refuse to address the issue.

Ofcom’s Communication Providers General Condition 6 requires that calls accompanied by a CLI should not be routed if the presented CLI is not a valid number capable of being dialled. Whatever the source of the call (including VoIP) at the point of routing it over the PTSN network, BT ought to be able to at least verify that the STD code is valid.

Instead of doing something meaningful, BT provides call protect which is only of any use for repeatedly used known numbers. Ofcom needs to grow some balls and force the network providers (not the CPs) to comply with GC6. They also need to stop hiding behind the claims the need to seek permission from Brussels to act.

[#10]

Thanks for that information, @Townman . I had heard of GC6, probably from one of your earlier posts, and if that is the case, hopefully, come October the first or whatever the magic day is, Ofcom will grow the required organs and force the NP's to take action - although I think there's more chance of me winning the Lottery*

Note: I haven't bought a ticket since 2001.*

[#11]

Only if you bought a ticket!

[#12]

Getting these calls at least twice a week sometimes more. I block every one with call protect to no avail. I would honestly remove the house phone only we need it for doctors calls etc. These may be withheld numbers. Getting quite disgusted.

[#13]

@Townman 

Yes, I have previously posted regarding this problem which is not being addressed by BT, as the network provider, despite what the Ofcom GCs require. It should not be beyond the wit of man to do this....but it is seemingly beyond the wit of BT....but the cynics might suggest they do make money out of such calls.

[#14]

I  am trialing trueCall Secure+  from www.truecall.co.uk

So far it seems to be working well  - not a single phone call!! All calls except my white list are blocked. It has an easy to use web interface too .

[#15]

I have a BT 8600 phone with TrueCall built in and it stops all calls from numbers not in my white list.

The latest call it stopped was one from a tax scam rated as dangerous.