Batelco announces telephone spam warning for its customers

The caller requests the full name and CPR number of the customer among other details and information.

Ahmed Al Janahi, Batelco Group General Manager Media & Government Relations, said:

"Batelco stresses that such phone calls are not legitimate and are designed to collect information from customers in order to fraudulently gain access to their computer password protected information and bank accounts."

These phone calls are the latest attempt by illegal sources to obtain personal and financial records of innocent parties and follows on from the ongoing spate of spam emails and SMS.

"All such methods to lure people into providing personal information are Phishing attempts which is a growing international problem. Phishing emails, SMS and even phone calls are designed to look and feel legitimate and often use the real logos and marketing messages of the company they are faking," Mr. Al Janahi explained.

'Phishing' is an attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. As more people have become aware of the threats of fraudulent emails, the criminals behind such schemes have devised alternative methods such as telephone calls and SMS.

Mr. Al Janahi said, "However, we must stress that no trustworthy internet services provider or telecom company will ever seek to obtain personal information by email or phone. Customers must never give their usernames and passwords, bank account numbers and personal information in response to such requests."

"We advise our customers who have any doubts at all about the legitimacy of such requests for information, to go directly to the real source - in this case Batelco - but it could also be their bank or credit card company, to make enquiries," he added.

If you receive any suspicious phone calls, SMS message or email messages, please contact Batelco Call Centre on 196 immediately.