Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 01:51 pm
In an increasingly connected world, nuisance phone calls have become an unfortunate reality for businesses. Unsolicited calls can disrupt the workflow, waste valuable time, and even pose security risks.
Spotting Spoofed Numbers
The number 8456021111 belongs to BT, a leading telecommunications provider in the UK. However, scammers have been known to ‘spoof’ legitimate numbers, making it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source. Spoofing occurs when the caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to the recipient’s caller ID to disguise their identity. By doing so, scammers can trick recipients into answering the call and potentially divulging sensitive information.
To protect your business from spoofed calls, it is crucial to educate your employees on how to identify potential scams. Some common signs of spoofed numbers include:
- Unexpected calls from familiar numbers: If a call from a known number seems suspicious or out of context, it may be a spoofed call. In such cases, it is wise to hang up and call the number back to verify its authenticity.
- Pressure to disclose information: Scammers often attempt to extract sensitive information by creating a sense of urgency. They may claim to be from a bank, a government agency, or a utility provider and insist on immediate action. Encourage your staff to be cautious and never divulge personal or financial information over the phone.
- Inconsistencies in the caller’s story: Be wary of callers who cannot provide specific details about their organisation or the reason for their call. Scammers may give vague or inconsistent information in an attempt to extract details from their target.
Implementing Call Blocking and Filtering
To mitigate the impact of nuisance calls, businesses can utilise call-blocking and filtering technologies. These tools can help identify and block unwanted calls before they reach the intended recipient. Some options to consider include:
Third-party call-blocking services
Many telecommunications providers offer call-blocking services that can be tailored to suit your business’s needs. These services can block known spam numbers, international calls, or specific types of calls, such as those from withheld numbers.
On-premises call-blocking solutions
Businesses can also invest in on-premises call-blocking hardware or software that can be integrated into their existing phone systems. These solutions typically use algorithms to analyse incoming calls and block those deemed to be spam or malicious.
Smartphone apps
For businesses relying on mobile phones, numerous apps are available that offer call-blocking and filtering capabilities. These apps can automatically block known spam numbers and allow users to create personalised blocklists.
Creating a Clear Reporting Process
To effectively combat nuisance calls, businesses must establish a clear reporting process for employees. Encourage staff to report any suspicious calls, including details such as the date, time, caller ID, and any information the caller provided. This information can help identify patterns and inform future preventative measures.
Additionally, businesses should report scam calls to the appropriate authorities, such as Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Reporting these incidents not only helps law enforcement track and tackle scammers but also raises awareness of the issue among the wider community.
