Scam communications using electronic communications services - I recently received suspicious calls and/or found missed calls from unfamiliar Maltese mobile numbers. Is this something I have to be worried about?

Receiving suspicious calls and/or finding missed calls from unfamiliar Maltese mobile numbers may be indicative of attempts to scam you. Unfortunately, there are tools that permit scammers to disguise the source of their calls by ‘spoofing’ (falsely presenting) any phone number they choose to, in order to deceive the recipient of the call. To improve their chances of deceiving Maltese subscribers, scammers typically opt to spoof Maltese mobile numbers. When this happens, Maltese subscribers end up receiving suspicious calls from unfamiliar Maltese mobile numbers, or they may find missed calls from such numbers if the scam attempt remained unanswered.

It’s good to know that, since the activation of the anti-scam call blocking measures on 1 November 2024, scammers can no longer spoof certain Maltese phone numbers, like fixed numbers starting with ‘+356 2’, freephone numbers (‘+356 800’) or premium numbers (‘+356 5’). However, due to technical complexities that cannot yet be addressed, there are currently no protective measures in place to automatically block scam calls that spoof Maltese mobile numbers (starting ‘+356 7’ or ‘+356 9’). Your best protection in such cases is to always remain vigilant when responding to calls, even if they appear to be from Maltese mobile numbers. 

Also, keep in mind that if you find a missed call from an unfamiliar Maltese mobile number, and you decide to call back on that number, you would not reach the scammer if this was indeed a case of spoofing. Rather, if your call is answered, you would probably have reached an innocent person who is unaware that their number was spoofed by a scammer and used in scam calls. So if the person answering the call immediately tells you that they did not call you, or that they have no recollection of ever speaking with you, be cordial and show understanding! This person is probably a victim of mobile number spoofing, and might easily be receiving several calls, like yours, from third-parties asking about missed calls!