Vodafone Blocks Disguised Numbers

Vodafone KK said today the company would implement measures to prevent the display of disguised incoming call numbers. For calls that originate on other networks and terminate on Vodafone KK handsets, the company will identify calls suspected of stemming from disguised call number displays, and not display them to the receiver based on meeting predefined conditions. The system will start operation today and is due to be completed nationwide by 22 March. 

The company said in a press release that the measures are being implemented in response to reports that some callers are disguising their phone numbers to appear as customer home phone numbers, customer mobile handset numbers or police station numbers on call displays to gain customer trust and conduct fraudulent activities.

While continuing to conduct investigations concerning disguised originating call numbers, Vodafone will also work closely with the Telecommunication Carriers Association on preventative measures if new disguising methods are detected.

The company also said that, on its network, it is not possible to disguise an originating call number due to extremely strict security measures. In addition, customers will not be billed in any way for charges connected to originating calls that use disguised numbers.

There was no mention of how the company will determine that certain calls are originating from fraudsters.