By Ireland is seeing a big rise in scam phone calls that appear to come from the UK. These calls use the +44 prefix and often try to trick people into giving away personal or financial data. Irish telecom watchdog ComReg and tech experts warn that these calls are more than just annoying — they can lead to fraud if you engage.
This blog will explain what is happening, how the scams work, what Irish regulators are doing, and how you can protect yourself.
What Are These +44 Scam Calls?
Recently, many phone users across Ireland have reported repeated calls from numbers starting with +44. On the surface, +44 is the UK’s country code, so people assume the call is from Britain. But in many cases, it is just a fake or spoofed number used by scammers.
Scammers use these calls to:
- Make their call look more credible
- Trick people into answering
- Get personal details like names, addresses, bank info, or login data
Some calls are fully automated. Others involve a real person pretending to be from a company, bank, or service.
Why Are There More Calls Right Now?
Scam phone activity tends to rise before major holidays. People talk more to family and friends abroad. They buy gifts and use online services often. Scammers see this as a chance to get people to answer unknown calls.
A security expert also said scammers often pick a country and send waves of calls to random phone numbers there. If scammers can get even a small number of people to answer, it becomes worth their effort.
What Happens If You Answer the Call?
If you simply answer a scam call, the only thing the fraudster learns is that your number is active.
Typical tactics include:
- Automated voices claiming to be from HR, banks, job recruiters, or tech support
- Requests for details like your phone number, name, or email
- Offers that sound too good to be true
If you ever share real personal information, scammers can use it in fraud, identity theft, or phishing schemes.
How ComReg Is Fighting Back
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is Ireland’s telecom regulator. It has already taken steps to reduce scam calls. Between February 2023 and October 2025, over 131 million scam calls were blocked, including about 18 million calls in September 2025 alone.
New Voice Firewall System
ComReg plans to roll out a new system called a Voice Firewall in the first half of 2026. This system will use advanced analytics and machine learning to:
- Detect unusual calling patterns
- Spot unusual volume of calls
- Track where calls originate from
- Block scam calls before they reach users
- This tech aims to cut down on calls that pretend to be from international numbers.
Scam Call Trends & What to Watch For
| Scam Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| +44 Prefix | May appear UK‑based but often spoofed by scammers |
| Automated Voice | Scammers use recorded messages to trick people |
| Requests for Info | They may ask for personal or financial details |
| Seasonal Increase | Harmful calls rise around holidays |
| Blocking Tools | ComReg and phone features can reduce calls |
How to Protect Yourself
Even with blockers and filters, you still must protect yourself. Here are practical steps:
1. Don’t Answer Unknown +44 Calls
If you don’t recognise a number with the +44 prefix, let it go to voicemail.
2. Never Share Personal Details
No legitimate company will ask for your PPS number, bank info, or passwords by phone.
3. Enable Call Screening Tools
Modern phones let you screen unknown calls:
- iPhones (iOS 26+): Screen unknown numbers so your phone asks who is calling before you answer.
- Android Phones: Many Android devices show spam warnings or block suspected scam calls.
4. Use Third‑Party Call Blockers
Apps like Hiya or Truecaller can block known scam numbers and reduce call volume.
5. Report Suspicious Calls
Tell your phone provider and An Garda Síochána about scam calls. This helps authorities track trends.
Community Impact and Public Response
People all over Ireland are talking about how common the calls have become. Some report getting calls daily. Others notice that even when they don’t answer, the calls continue or come from multiple different numbers.
Online forums show people sharing tips, warning each other, or expressing frustration. Some discuss ways to use phone settings or apps to cut down the number of nuisance calls. Others urge loved ones to be careful, especially older people who may be more vulnerable.
Final Words: Stay Alert and Safe
These +44 scam calls are more than just irritating. They are part of a wider scam activity that can lead to fraud if you interact. Irish regulators are working to block them, but being cautious yourself is the best defence.
Watch unknown numbers, protect your data, and use phone tools that help screen and block scams. The holiday period may be a peak time for these calls, so staying aware is more important now than ever.
