Dublin: People across Ireland are facing a sharp increase in scam phone calls originating from UK numbers, prompting the communications regulator to prepare stricter measures to combat fraud. In recent days, many consumers have reported repeated calls from +44 numbers, often involving automated messages or live scammers posing as banks, private companies, or other organisations in an attempt to extract personal and financial information.
Cybersecurity expert Paul Delahandi has warned that scam activity typically intensifies in the lead-up to Christmas, driven by increased online shopping and financial transactions. He cautioned that further waves of scam calls are likely in the coming weeks.
In response, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has announced plans to introduce a new “Voice Firewall” aimed at blocking scam calls originating both within Ireland and from abroad. The system will use advanced real-time call data analytics and machine learning to identify suspicious patterns, including abnormal call volumes, signalling behaviour, and call origins.
ComReg said the Voice Firewall is expected to be implemented in the first half of next year. The regulator has already taken significant steps in collaboration with international counterparts to curb fraudulent calls. Between February 2023 and October 2025, more than 131 million scam calls were blocked, with over 18 million intercepted up to September this year alone.
Consumers are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal details over the phone, and report suspected scam calls to their service providers or relevant authorities.
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