Hello Jimmer69er,
I think everyone is rather fed up about getting SPAM and SCAM calls from spoofed numbers. Unfortunately, there currently isn't much that any of the mobile providers can do to prevent them.
While I'm not sure changing your phone number will reduce the number of spoofed SPAM/SCAM calls you receive, you should note that there is no charge if you do the change yourself via My Account (see here).
Hope this helps 😀
Cheers
Hello DanHighRes,
Welcome to the community!
I understand changing phone numbers might not be ideal. I was not suggesting changing numbers as an option. I was replying to another community member referring to waiving the fee for number changes.
Cheers
Hello Eastcider,
Welcome to the community!
I think everyone is rather fed up about getting SPAM and SCAM calls.
@Eastcider wrote:..Don't allow numbers on the network that aren't verified, or prevent selling of massive series' of numbers to individual entities, and if they are part of a large purchase by an org, then mark them as potential spam before allowing them on Fido's network. Even better, sell numbers only to residents of Canada...
Fido isn't selling their customers' phone numbers. The calls are being made using spoofed numbers. Unfortunately, there currently isn't much that any of the mobile providers can do to prevent them. Since the spammers/scammers use spoofed numbers, it is not possible to identify the true spammers' number. The numbers shown on caller ID do not belong to the spammers. They often belong to innocent, unsuspecting people. There isn't much that can be done to prevent numbers from being spoofed. In some instances, the spammers/scammers will use the recipients' own phone numbers to make the calls. Even the RCMP are not immune to being spoofed (see here).
I understand it appears like they might be targeting Fido customers, however, none of the providers are immune to the SPAM calls everyone has been receiving. In fact, the problem is broader than solely a Canadian issue -- it's Worldwide (see here).
It's actually not that difficult for spammers/scammers to direct those calls to a particular provider. All phone numbers -- whether landline or mobile -- are in databases which are readily available online. Certain area code and prefix combinations are designated as landlines, others as Rogers, Fido, Bell, etc. All a spammer/scammer needs to do is have a computer sequentially dial the numbers of a desired area code/prefix combination from 0000 to 9999 and all of those customers would be with their desired target (see here). They'll likely change the message depending on the area code/prefix combination. There have been instances where people who have ported their phone numbers to other providers still receive SPAM directed at their original providers.
In addition, the spammers/scammers will tend to spoof phone numbers within their target range to make potential victims think the calls are coming from people they might know. Since your area code/prefix is for Fido (unless you ported from another provider), many of the calls will also appear to come from Fido phone numbers. It's called Neighbour spoofing (see here and here). In some instances, the spammers/scammers will use the recipients' own phone numbers to make the calls, called mirroring. Those are just the phone numbers the spammers/scammers chose to spoof. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done to prevent numbers from being spoofed.
Blocking the spoofed numbers is not feasible. Blocking innocent customers for no reason is not acceptable. That's why the mobile providers and landline providers simply cannot block a number without absolute proof that the owner of the number is engaged in nefarious activities. Blocking numbers simply based on their apparent use to make SPAM calls or send SPAM SMS would result in honest customers having difficulties using their services.
I understand some apps might offer that service. However, those blocking lists only affect people who opt to use those apps. Honest customers who might actually own those numbers can still use their services, just not to call people using those apps. If a mobile provider were to do the same, honest customers would have difficulties using their services.
The mobile providers have implemented Universal Call Blocking which is meant to block calls from malformed phone numbers. That said, I'm doubtful whether it will have much of an effect on the amount of SPAM or SCAM calls since many of them appear to have properly formed phone numbers. In addition, a new technology, STIR/SHAKEN (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens) is being adopted to further reduce the amount of nuisance calls (see here). However, I have my doubts as to whether those measures will reduce the amount of SPAM calls. My understanding is the STIR/SHAKEN will only identify possible SPAM calls and mark the calls as suspected SPAM.
Unfortunately, until the technology to unmask the true number of spammers/scammers is readily available (not simply the number shown on the caller ID), the only solution currently is to block the numbers on your phone. What phone do you have? Some phones do allow for one touch blocking. Some phones even allow you to block entire area codes or even Country codes (using the Begins with specifier). You should note that blocking the calls only prevents the calls from ringing your phone. It does not prevent the callers from leaving voicemail. There are (at least were) some apps which claimed to also prevent callers from leaving voicemail. They worked by answering and almost simultaneously ending the calls. While those apps do prevent calls from going to voicemail, the calls are also considered 'answered' and therefore count as airtime.
Hope this helps 😀
Cheers
Hey @jrobinson,
Welcome to our Community!
I really understand that having your voicemail filled with those messages must not be pleasant.
The reason a call goes to voicemail when rejected is because of the way Unconditional Call Forward works when you have a voicemail option on your line. Calls are transferred to the voicemail if the number is busy, the call isn’t answered (which includes call rejection or simply letting the call ring without an answer), or your number is unreachable.
This being said, your feedback is definitely valued and we'll take care of forwarding it to the right people. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let us know!
Hey PCIMPOTS,
Hmm that's one way to do it! It might not be an option for customers that need their voicemail but thanks for sharing your solution with us 
We do recommend to report those calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center to prevent such calls for all wireless customers.
Hey PCIMPOTS!
I know it's never fun to be getting unwanted calls. I, myself, have been receiving these type of calls from time to time too.
Your best bet in this situation would be to report the callers to the to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can reach them online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Hey @Gogo2019,
We understand these calls can be annoying and frustrating. These scammers have also been impersonating agents from banks and other wireless providers. We have been working with law enforcement, the CRTC, and other Canadian wireless companies to put a stop to these messages/calls.
For more information on how to protect yourself from these spam calls, check out this article here on our Community Forums: https://fido.ly/2QucL7Y. You can also report these calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling toll-free at 1-888-495-8501, or online at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm
Also, another tip, you may also want to consider looking into a call blocking app on your device - there are several available in the App Store and Google Play Store that can block any incoming call with a number that isn't on your contact list. This feature is also built into the settings on some Android devices. Please note that blocked calls will still go to your voicemail so you may still need to go through your messages regularly.
I hope this helps! 😃
Hey @orminator! Welcome to the community.
I understand your frustration there. Nobody likes to be bothered by spam calls. Allow me to clarify a few points however:
1. Our do not call list is an internal one that only affects calls, mail, SMS, or emails from Fido or Rogers. Other companies might still contact you. It's suggested that you register to the National Do Not Call List managed by the CRTC to prevent these types of calls.
2. We in no way condone or encourage spam calls to our customers.
3. We also provide (or try to provide) the best service we can to all our clients, not just our corporate ones.
We are ready and willing to help you if you have any more questions or concerns.
