Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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54. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will respond to concerns and proposals (details supplied) in relation to a possible deterrent for scam calls which have increased exponentially here over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42260/21]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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The telecommunications market is regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, including in relation to operational issues such as detecting or monitoring scam calls. 

I understand that scam call numbers can resemble normal, familiar geographical or international numbers encountered on a daily basis, and the Regulator has published information for consumers in relation to this issue www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/mobile-phone/scam-calls-2/).

This provides advice urging vigilance at all times on the part of consumers and listing suggestions for the proactive steps to be taken by those receiving scam calls, and in particular, advising people not to answer or to call back any number which they do not recognise or where there is a bland or no voicemail left.

The notice also provides a phone number for consumers to contact and the Regulator also offers a text call back service and other facilities to assist consumers. In the meantime, ComReg continues to monitor the situation closely. 

In addition, the Investigation of scam calls from a criminal perspective is a matter for an Garda Síochána.  I understand that AGS has also raised public awareness to warn phone users on the need to remain continually alert with respect to calls and text messages.