Scammers are now resorting to the use of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) technology to target individuals, in an attempt to extort money or steal personal details.

Oreedoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator, has cautioned its customers to be aware of this trend.

It involves the use of VoIP to make calls purporting to be from telecom operators such as Ooredoo.

The calls look like regular GSM calls by showing the customer a landline number, often a +974 number, to convince the call recipient that they are genuine.

The use of VoIP for these calls makes it more difficult for authorities to trace the source of the call, Ooredoo highlighted.

The purpose of the scam calls is usual, which is to try and get customers to transfer funds or credit and to steal personal information.

Ooredoo said that although it is often difficult for customers to tell if a call claiming to be from Ooredoo is authentic or not, some pointers may be helpful in this regard:

1.     Are they expecting a call from Ooredoo?

2.     Is the call about something the operator would be likely to call about?

3.     Is the number recognized?

4.     And what is the caller asking for?

Ooredoo emphasized that it will never ask customers for any personal details such as passwords or financial details, and of course, will never ask them for money.

“We know fraudsters are using ever more sophisticated techniques to extort money and steal personal information, and this is a phenomenon seen worldwide across all industries and markets,” said Yusuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, COO of Ooredoo Qatar.

“At Ooredoo, we are completely committed to keeping our customers and their data safe, and we are constantly working to combat all attempts to compromise our customers’ data security,” he added.

“We ask that our customers remain vigilant, and please get in touch with us if ever they have any doubt at all about calls they receive,” Al Kubaisi said.

Ooredoo is encouraging customers who have any doubts about the authenticity of a call purporting to be from the telecommunications operator to get in touch with it immediately by calling 111.

Customers can also send a message to FraudControl@ooredoo.qa or CustomerService@ooredoo.qa or by visiting any Ooredoo shop.

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Source: Gulf Times