Austria warns of surge in scam calls from UK numbers

Scam calls originating from UK numbers have surged dramatically in Austria. Here’s what you need to know, how to spot them, and how to stay safe.

Have you recently received an unexpected phone call from a UK number beginning with the dialling code +44? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

Austrian authorities have warned of a significant spike in scam calls originating from Great Britain in recent weeks, with more than 250 complaints filed since the start of March.

But who exactly is behind these calls, and what should you do if you’re targeted?

What are these scam calls all about?

According to Dr Klaus M. Steinmaurer, Managing Director of RTR’s Telecommunications and Postal Services Division, there’s been a notable increase in these scam calls reported to RTR’s Number Abuse Reporting Centre. Since March 1st, RTR has already received around 250 complaints—an unusually high number within a very short period, and likely just the tip of the iceberg.

The scam typically begins with a female, computer-generated voice talking vaguely about a job offer. The caller then asks the targeted individual to save the UK number shown on their caller ID as a contact on WhatsApp.

Once contact is established via WhatsApp, scammers attempt to steal personal information.

As Steinmaurer explains: “On the one hand, it is free for the fraudsters to communicate with the selected victims via chat. On the other hand, the chance of being taken by surprise and getting hold of personal data is certainly very high. We all know how quickly people react to chat messages—very often without thinking—and are likely to give out their data.”

Why are these calls suddenly coming from the UK?

Until recently, many scam calls in Austria appeared to originate from local numbers. However, since January 2025, RTR has introduced an anti-spoofing regulation, effectively stopping fraudsters from faking Austrian phone numbers.

This regulation means scammers can no longer convincingly impersonate local numbers, forcing them to shift tactics.

“Thanks to the anti-spoofing regulation we have issued, there have been no fraud calls with fake Austrian telephone numbers in Austria since the turn of the year,” Steinmaurer said. He added: “This is why fraudsters are increasingly using other dialling codes.”

What should you do if you receive one of these calls?

If your phone rings and the caller ID displays a number beginning with +44, Steinmaurer advises caution: “Ask yourself whether you are actually expecting a call from the UK. If not, don’t even pick up the phone.”

If you accidentally answer and the caller begins requesting personal information or tries to get you onto WhatsApp, simply end the call.

Never share personal data or confirm any information over the phone or chat unless you’re entirely certain of the caller’s identity.

How can you report scam calls in Austria?

RTR (Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications) operates an official Number Abuse Reporting Centre where the public can report suspicious numbers and scam attempts.

Reports help RTR quickly identify and inform the public about new scam activities.

If you’ve been targeted, report the call at rufnummernmissbrauch.at. This allows authorities to warn other potential victims and investigate further.

Who is RTR, and how do they help?

RTR, or Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH, is Austria’s official authority responsible for regulating the country’s broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal sectors. In the telecommunications area, RTR is particularly involved in protecting consumers from fraud, abuse, and unfair practices.

RTR manages Austria’s telephone numbering systems, issues regulations on consumer protection, network security, and infrastructure expansion, and handles complaints about number misuse and fraudulent activities.

By reporting suspicious calls, Austrians directly support RTR’s efforts to clamp down on scams and protect others from becoming victims.

Austria warns of surge in scam calls from UK numbers

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