A concerning new phone scam is making the rounds across Ireland, with individuals receiving unsolicited calls from Belgian Numbers (Belgian country code +32). These calls are part of a widespread phishing scam designed to trick people into handing over personal information, banking details, or device access — and in some cases, they’ve already succeeded.

What’s Happening?

Dozens of people across the country have reported being contacted by unknown numbers beginning with +32, typically during daytime hours. In most cases, the scam takes one of two forms:

1. Automated Voice Messages

Victims answer the call and hear a recorded message claiming there has been suspicious activity on their bank account or card — often citing a fake transaction (e.g. “€75 charged to your Revolut account on Amazon”). The message instructs them to press a number to “dispute” the charge.

2. Live Callers Pretending to Be Bank Staff

Some calls involve a person on the line, often claiming to represent your bank, Revolut, or a delivery company, warning of a security breach. They may ask you to:

• Confirm personal details
• Download a remote access app
• Move funds for “security reasons”

These are highly sophisticated scams designed to make the victim panic — and act quickly.

Real Cases Already Reported

In one confirmed incident in Kerry, a person lost access to their savings account after interacting with one of these calls. They were instructed to download an app, which gave scammers remote access to their device. Gardaí later confirmed the call originated from a spoofed Belgian number.

According to Garda sources, it’s likely part of an international criminal network targeting Irish numbers through automated systems.

Why Belgium?

The use of Belgian numbers is deliberate. Many Irish people don’t recognise +32 immediately, so the calls appear unfamiliar but not suspicious enough to ignore. Fraudsters use spoofing software to generate these numbers, which may appear legitimate or even display local-looking digits.

What Gardaí and Banks Are Saying

Gardaí have issued multiple public warnings about this scam in recent weeks, stating:

“If you receive a suspicious call from an international number, do not engage, do not share any details, and report the incident to your local station.”

Irish banks have echoed the warning, reminding customers that:

• They will never call to request passwords, PINs, or ask you to transfer funds
• They do not require remote access apps to verify suspicious activity

What to Do If You Receive One of These Calls

• Hang up immediately
• Do not press any numbers
• Block the number and report it via your phone provider
• Alert your bank and Gardaí if you gave any information or feel unsure
• Spread the word with family and friends, especially elderly relatives who may be more vulnerable

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed

As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s more important than ever to be cautious with unsolicited calls — especially from unfamiliar international numbers. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

With awareness and fast reporting, we can limit the damage and keep Irish communities safer.

Stay informed with itson.ie.