DOHA: In response to public concerns about an increase in ‘scam’ calls, Ooredoo urged customers to report international scam numbers to the company, and block suspicious local numbers via the Ooredoo App.
People in Qatar have reported an increase in the number of missed calls from unregistered numbers overseas in recent weeks, particularly from numbers from Belarus, Latvia and Senegal. When the owner calls back, they find it is a premium number that charges their account. Ooredoo is working with police services and overseas operators to trace and report these numbers, and has updated its advice for customers to avoid being victimised by scams.
Ooredoo’s security experts recommend that customers do not answer or call back international numbers they do not recognise, and do not send SMS or short codes to organisations they do not know. It is continuing to upgrade security features available for customers. The Ooredoo App offers a ‘block list’ feature that enables customers to block unwanted calls and SMS by inserting the sender’s number.
Customers need to download the latest version of the App for free via Google or iTunes Store and register to begin a ‘block list’. They can add and remove names from the block list 24/7.
Ooredoo is also working to eliminate scam calls from foreign countries by using the latest scanning technology to identify suspicious multiple calls, and blocking calls and SMS from suspicious numbers. Customers can report any suspicious numbers by dialing 111, and Ooredoo will take immediate action.
Ooredoo officials stressed that the company does not sell or provide external organisations with customer records such as telephone numbers and that customer service representative will never ask for key information such as bank details on calls. For details on Ooredoo App and security tips and features, please visit www.ooredoo.qa
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