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Tribune News Network
Doha
Do you receive calls or messages from unknown persons asking for personal details? If yes, then better beware! The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has cautioned consumers not to share any personal information that could compromise their privacy if they receive a call from unknown persons.
The move comes after the CRA noticed an increase in the number of complaints regarding scam calls through its 103 hotline, media reports and social media comments.
"Significant numbers of consumers reported receiving calls through apps like WhatsApp and Viber from persons claiming to be from their service provider asking for private details such as QID number, bank account number and passwords. The CRA would like to caution that these calls are illegitimate and consumers should not share their details to avoid risking fraudulent activity," the CRA said in a statement.
If in doubt, consumers should reconfirm requests for information by contacting their service provider.
Consumers have also been advised not to share information such as pin number, password, activation code or user name received by SMS from their service provider.
It said the CRA is working with the two licensed service providers to take measures to protect the privacy of residents by reducing the number of unsolicited and illegitimate calls.
"We strive to ensure all communication consumers have adequate and reliable protection when using the communication networks. Service providers are working to provide solutions for scam calls, we encourage consumers if they have received scam calls to report it to their service provider," said Amel Salem al Hanawi, Consumer Affairs Department Manager.
The CRA is looking at new ways to improve the experience of telecom consumers in Qatar. The CRA has launched a number of initiatives to improve consumer experience. For example, a new interactive complaints management system to make it more convenient for consumers to lodge and monitor complaints.
