Caution! Massive fraud calls from Great Britain: tips for consumers

Caution! Massive fraud calls from Great Britain: tips for consumers

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - alarm level red for all Austrians! Since March 1, 2025, we have been experiencing a worrying increase in fraud calls from Great Britain, as reported by Rundfunk and Telekom Regulation GmbH (RTR). Over 250 symptoms have already been received, which indicates a potentially even higher number of unreported cases. Dr. Klaus M. Steinmaurer, managing director of RTR, warned: "If the phone numbers start at +44, you should ask yourself whether you actually expect a call from Great Britain. If not, then don't definitely not take off!" The callers try to sneak personal data and often imagine as an employer who offer a supposed job offer. They encourage the victims to save the number specified in their WhatsApp contacts and then contact the messenger service. Steinmaurer knows the mesh: "The fraudsters use the chat function to get private information faster."

Make number of phone numbers

This wave of fraud is not accidental: After the introduction of the so-called anti-spoofing regulation in Austria at the beginning of the year, calls with fake domestic numbers are declining, which is why fraudsters now fall back on foreign primary elections. The RTR asks the population to report suspicious activities immediately. Everyone can share their experiences at phone numbers and thus contribute to clarification. A variety of tips on how to protect yourself against such calls can also be found on the website. This information is crucial to contain crime in the telecommunications sector and to raise public awareness.

In addition, the RTR has also set up a platform for complaints, as is emphasized on its side. Before submitting a complaint, users must contact the respective service provider. If there is no agreement, a simple form can be filled out, which should contribute to clarification. Try to find a solution within 90 days. Details on the procedure can be found on the RTR website, encouraged the affected citizens to become active and to request their right. Information on this is available at rtr.at . Protect yourself and others, and don't be fooled!