Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/960495
8 MARIA PACE SCAM phone calls are nothing new, but how can you block a num- ber that won't give up? While most smartphones have the function to block unwanted numbers for you, it's harder to block numbers or phones which are not smartphones. It has now become increasingly common to hear of suspicious phone calls from far-off countries, which involves fraudsters dialling numbers from places like Liberia and immediately hanging-up. The scam lies in the hope that they will be called back, whereupon the unassuming called will then be routed to a premium rate number, overseas, and billed a large sum of cash to listen to a pre-recorded message. The 'One Ring' scam is often referred to as Wangiri, the name by which it is known in Japan – it means 'one and cut'. The number is recorded as a missed call on the prospective victim's phone, who may well dial the 'missed' number of some high-priced chat-line. What to do when you've had enough of Liberian and Antiguan prank callers? Vodafone corporate senior ex- ecutive Kim Dalli suggests smart- phone users not only to block a number, but also see whether the phone can alert users to incoming scam calls. Even if blocking a num- ber is not supported by the smart- phone, there are specific apps from the Google or Apple store that ena- ble the function to block numbers. But non-smartphones might not have the faculty to block these calls and unfortunately, providers like Vodafone cannot stop incom- ing calls for you. However, Dalli said Vodafone can stop its clients from calling the scam number by blocking out- going calls. "Vodafone is unable to stop incoming calls, but it can stop its clients from calling the scam number by blocking outgo- ing calls," Dalli said. And when various people com- plain about the same number, Dalli said that Vodafone usually block outgoing calls to the par- ticular number. This way, no one would be able to call the number in question. Vodafone keeps a list of all the numbers that it has blocked through an internal process, and passes on the information to the Malta Communications Authority for their reference. A Facecrooks alert also mentions the 268 area code (Antigua), but a number of other country codes have been linked with scams tak- ing advantage of 'pay-per-call' numbers, including Belarus (375), the British Virgin Islands (284), the Dominican Republic (809), Grenada (473), Latvia (371) and Jamaica (876). mpace@mediatoday.com.mt News maltatoday SUNDAY 1 APRIL 2018 Company blacklisting scam phone callers 'Hello? I am an unwitting telephone user returning the call on an awfully long number…"