Scam communications using electronic communications services - My business / organisation makes use of internet- or cloud-based communications. How will these measures affect us?

Outgoing calls with Maltese numbers placed via internet- or cloud-based communications applications would be blocked if they satisfy the anti-scam rule-based filters. To mitigate the impact on users of such applications, the MCA introduced bespoke measures to ensure that the authorised provision of such applications, and the corresponding call origination services, may continue to be offered, in a regulated manner, unaffected by the blocking measures. More information on these bespoke measures may be found in Section 5.4 of the Decision Notice available here.

Furthermore, users assigned Maltese numbers starting with ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘8’ may verify if their calls are being placed through an application or overseas solution provided by an authorised provider by placing a call, via their outbound calling setup, towards the number +356 2400 2400. Such a call will be charged at the same rate as for calls to on-net fixed numbers.

Users who make this call via a call origination service of an authorised service provider would be greeted by a voice announcement that specifies that the service provider is authorised with the MCA. If the user receives a different announcement, or the call fails to connect, this would indicate that the call was placed from the call origination service of an unauthorised provider.

Users of services provided by unauthorised providers are urged to reach out to such providers and enquire about any mitigation efforts being implemented to comply with the MCA’s Decision Notice. Such unauthorised providers were required to achieve compliance by no later than 1 October 2024. Users may also reach out to the Numbering team at MCA for more information on +356 2133 6840 or via email on numbering@mca.org.mt.