SCAM CALL BLOCKING
New measures to block scam calls
Important information you should know about Caller ID spoofing.
Scam calls are a growing problem, eroding trust in phone services. To combat this, we are adding new measures mandated by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) to block scam calls starting November 1, 2024, these measures are to be introduced by all operators. These steps aim to protect you and prevent spoofed calls that deceive recipients.
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Caller ID Spoofing
This happens when an attacker disguises their phone number as a different one on the recipient’s caller ID display. This can be used to impersonate trusted organizations or individuals.
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Scam calls
Scam calls are fraudulent phone calls made with the intent to deceive the recipient into providing personal information, financial details, or other sensitive data.
How do we protect you from scam calls & spoofing?
Calls to Maltese numbers using another Maltese number starting with ‘1’, ‘2’, or ‘8’ will be blocked if they are received from abroad. Since these numbers are usually linked to a physical location in Malta, it is unlikely for them to legitimately come from outside the country.
Therefore, Epic will block calls that correspond to the following three scenarios in order to prevent potential scam calls.
Epic will update the Mobile General terms and conditions and Fixed General terms and conditions to refer to these new blocking measures.
These scenarios comprise of calls where the calling party number is a Maltese phone number starting with ‘1’, ‘2’, or ‘8’.
1. Towards foreign numbers that are forwarded to a Maltese number
2. Towards outbound roamers The term ‘outbound roamers’ refers to subscribers assigned Maltese numbers starting with ‘7’ or ‘9’ who are roaming whilst outside Malta (e.g. Maltese tourist abroad. that are late forwarded Late forwarding occurs when an incoming call is forwarded to another number on specific conditions, such as when the called party is already busy in another call to a Maltese number
3. Originated through ‘overseas solutions’ (e.g. internet-based or cloud-based telephony services) offered by unauthorised telephony providers.
How will this impact you?
These blocking measures will significantly decrease your exposure to scam calls.
Should you wish to confirm if your set up will be impacted by such blocking measures, you can call a dedicated number for verification.
Starting from June 4, 2024, you can check if your telephony service is affected by calling (+356) 2400 2400 from your landline. If you hear a voice announcement confirming authorization from the MCA, there are no changes to be made to your set up. If not, please contact your call origination service provider to review your setup.
If you consider that the blocking measures may have an impact on your experience with forwarded calls, it is advisable to consider using alternative communications arrangements or channels. For instance, the call blocking measure will not have an impact where the Calling Party Number is from the mobile ranges ‘7’ or ‘9’. Reach out to Epic should you need any further assistance.
For more details, visit the MCA Press Release or call us at 247.
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