I am receiving spam calls and/or calls from unknown numbers. What can I do about it?

Often, you can easily recognize spam calls:

• An international number calls you out of the blue.
• Numbers starting with ‘02’ (Brussels).
• You hear a robotic voice speaking in broken Dutch or English.
• Personal information is being asked for.

Sometimes, the spam calls are more subtle and it seems as if the scammer is calling you from Belgium when they are not. In the case of spoofing, a scammer will pretend to be someone else and copy their phone number to call you. This is often used in helpdesk fraud, where they claim to call you on behalf of a large company, such as Microsoft.

Recognizing spam calls

You hear a robotic voice

Sometimes scammers use software that mimics a local number. They often use 'Text-to-Speech' technology: written text is converted to spoken audio, making it seem like you are talking to a real person.

When I call back, the person does not know they called me

With spoofing, it looks like you are being called by a certain number, but that person is not calling you at all. Often, the person doesn’t know that their number has been spoofed.

I receive spam calls from a private individual

If you receive spam calls from a private individual, you can fill out a form with the Telecom Ombudsman and then file a complaint:

• Download the form here.
• Fill out the form and send it to plaintes@mediateurtelecom.be. You can also fill out this form if you receive spam messages.
• You will receive a document with the identity of the owner of the number.
• Submit a complaint with this form at the local police.

Tips for spam calls

• Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Did you answer? Hang up immediately.
• Are you asked to enter a number to stop such calls? Hang up immediately.
• Do not answer questions, especially those that can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• Never provide personal information: account numbers, your national register number, your mother's maiden name, passwords, or other information linked to your identity. Especially if you did not expect this call or if you are suspicious.
• Is the call from a representative of a company or government agency? Hang up and call the company or agency yourself. You can find their phone number on their website or on your statement if you are a customer of that company. This way, you can check if they really called you.
• Be cautious if they pressure you to provide information immediately.
• Register on the ‘Do not call me’ list. If you are on this list, companies with commercial activities must remove your phone number from their contact lists.