Sherlock calls for action on foreign fraud calls
Labour spokesperson on Justice, Sean Sherlock TD has called on the Ministers for Justice and Communications respectively to take action on the huge number of fraudulent calls that are plaguing people across Ireland.
Deputy Sherlock said:
“Four weeks ago I raised with the Minister for Justice the measures that have been taken to combat digital fraud on persons’ mobile phones.
“I also asked if he will compel communication providers to take a more active role in blocking these fraudulent phone numbers.
“I have now been waiting a month for a response to this, as the Minister for Justice awaits a report from An Garda Síochána.
“Meanwhile people across Ireland are being plagued with calls from locations including Liberia, Chad, the Comoros Islands and elsewhere.
“This is a scam that targets unsuspecting people with a missed call at unusual hours and when the number is called back the person is charged premium rates that will appear on their next bill or have their credit all used up.
“It is time for the Minister for Communications, Denis Naughton to also act and ensure that Irish network operators tackle this fraud and that unsuspecting members of the public are not penalised.”
ENDS
For Written Answer on : 20/09/2017 Question Number(s): 314 Question Reference(s): 39234/17
QUESTION: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken to combat digital fraud on persons’ mobile phones; and if he will compel communication providers to take a more active role in blocking these fraudulent phone numbers.
REPLY: I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to these matters and I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.