Ireland’s communications regulator ComReg has issued a public warning about a sharp rise in scam calls appearing from UK numbers with the +44 prefix, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
According to ComReg, many of these calls use automated voice messages posing as recruitment agencies, HR departments, or official bodies in an attempt to extract personal information.
Even if no details are shared, simply answering the call can confirm to scammers that a number is active, increasing the likelihood of receiving more fraudulent calls.
The surge is linked to the holiday season, when people are more likely to receive international calls from friends and family, making them more vulnerable to deception.
To combat the problem, ComReg plans to introduce a “voice firewall” by mid-2026. The system will use real-time analytics and machine learning to detect unusual calling patterns and block fraudulent activity.
Existing measures implemented since February 2023 have already blocked over 131 million scam calls, including 18 million in September 2025 alone.
While efforts continue, ComReg advises the public to:
- save known UK contacts
- avoid answering unknown +44 numbers
- use call-screening tools available on Apple iOS 26 and Google Pixel devices
The new iPhone call-screening feature can answer unknown calls automatically, request the caller’s name and purpose, and let users decide whether to respond. Source: The Irish Times
🔍 HackWarn.com Analysis
Why the Scam Is Effective
- Seasonal timing: Scammers exploit higher international call activity around holidays.
- Automated messaging: Robocalls create urgency, pushing victims to respond.
- Number validation: Simply answering confirms the number is active, making it a target for repeated scams.
How to Stay Safe
- Do not answer unknown +44 numbers unless expecting a call.
- Save trusted UK contacts in your phone.
- Use call-screening tools on iPhone (iOS 26) or Google Pixel.
- Enable silence unknown callers or send them directly to voicemail.
- Report persistent scam activity to your national regulator.
Scammers adapt quickly. Awareness and device-level protections remain your strongest defence.
