Have you received calls from a UK area code? You’re not alone; these are extortion calls, and they’re not coming from the Old World.
The Cyber Police Unit of the Ministry of Security and Peace is alerting mobile phone users about these suspicious calls originating in the United Kingdom.
The calls, identified by the international area code +44, appear legitimate, but are part of a strategy to deceive and scam victims.
Scammers pretend to be recruiters from well-known companies or intermediaries for job platforms offering jobs with attractive income in exchange for seemingly simple tasks, such as “rating products” from well-known brands and platforms, writing reviews, or interacting with online content,” reported the Guanajuato Government.
They assure their victims that the initial payment will be reimbursed on an unspecified date, but the scammers disappear without a trace once they obtain the money or personal information that can be used to impersonate people.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call originating in the United Kingdom?
The Cyber Police Unit recommends that the public maintain a cautious attitude and not answer or return calls from unknown numbers, especially if they have the +44 area code or another unrecognized number.
Be wary of job offers that request advance payments or confidential information to begin the process; hang up immediately if the call generates suspicion or if you hear an automated message requesting personal information.
Also, avoid transferring money to unknown accounts or people; Block suspicious numbers directly from your mobile phone to avoid future calls; activate unknown call filters and use spam detection apps such as Truecaller, Hiya, or similar; never share personal, banking, or official identification information with people who don’t fully identify themselves; and report suspicious numbers and profiles on online platforms and social media to warn other users.
The Ministry of Security and Peace, through the Cyber Police Unit, asks users who receive these types of calls to report the incident to 089, where anonymous reports can be made, and/or to 800 TE CUIDO (800 832 8436), which is directly answered by the Anti-Extortion Squad; both available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Alternatively, report it to the official cyber-reporting mailbox [email protected].
Source: am
