Network agency obliges providers to protect against fake calls
Again and again, fraudsters use fake phone numbers and spoofing to hide their identity. They want to use fake calls to access data or lure them into cost traps. But that should soon be over. Because the Federal Network Agency obliges the provider to take more protective measures.
When “110” appears on the phone display, you think the police are calling. Scammers take advantage of this fact again and again. With the help of fake phone numbers, they disguise their identity in order to steal data or lure their victims into financial traps.
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What is spoofing?
In information technology, methods of deception such as these are also called spoofing. In order to protect consumers from trick and fake calls in the future, the Federal Network Agency now the provider in the duty.
This applies in particular to so-called call ID spoofing, in which scammers transfer fake phone numbers to their victims’ phone displays. Therefore, new legal regulations will come into force in the future. Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, said:
Again and again, criminals disguise the true origin of an incoming call by showing a fake number on the phone display. From December 1st, customers will finally be better protected against it
Federal Network Agency obliges providers to protect against fake numbers
According to the Federal Network Agency, telecommunications providers must prevent fake calls with forged numbers such as “110” or “112” by December 1, 2022 at the latest. The same applies to expensive phone numbers such as “(0)900” and “(0)137” as well as numbers for information and speed dialing services.
The providers should also ensure that no German phone number appears on the display for calls from abroad. Such calls must be displayed as “Anonymous” in the future. The aim of the authority is that consumers can rely on not being taken in by spoofers.
Spoofing: Federal Network Agency expects more anonymous calls
In order to disguise their identity, criminals mainly use fake numbers from abroad or redirect fake calls to other countries. However, the new legal regulations should enable consumers to react more consciously in the future when it comes to not accepting anonymous calls in the first place.
The Federal Network Agency points out that the obligation to anonymise could result in more suppressed calls. However, that does not necessarily mean that every anonymous call has to be dubious. However, the authority also warns that the new regulations will make investigations more difficult. But they guarantee more consumer protection.
“In the case of certain complaints about phone number misuse, no investigations can be started, since a displayed phone number must be available for this,” said the Federal Network Agency. However, the course of conversations could be starting points for investigations.
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