Portugal’s telecom watchdog ANACOM has issued a warning about fraudulent phone calls being made using a fake version of its official contact number.
According to the regulator, several people reported receiving calls between Monday and Tuesday (April 6 and April 7) in which scammers used a technique known as “spoofing” to disguise the origin of the call. The number displayed appeared as 800 206 665, which is linked to ANACOM’s public helpline.
During the calls, the fraudsters present themselves as employees of the organisation, but their aim is to obtain personal information from victims.
The calls tend to follow a pattern, ANACOM says in a statement. The scammers often use partially correct personal details, provide false names or identification numbers and apply pressure on the person receiving the call.
In some cases, they refer to alleged illegal activities, such as sending fraudulent messages or mobile phone theft, and claim there are communications involving the PJ criminal police. Victims may also be threatened with having their numbers or services blocked.
The regulator stressed that it is not making calls of this kind and that the information being shared is false.
ANACOM is advising people not to answer or return calls from the number and not to provide or confirm any personal data.
It also recommends verifying the identity of any organisation that makes contact and, if in doubt, asking for the call to be made again later to allow time for checks.
Anyone who suspects fraud should contact the authorities. Victims are advised to file a complaint with PSP and GNR police, as well as the Public Prosecutor’s Office or the Department for Investigation and Prosecution (DIAP).
