The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is monitoring reports in local press and social media about telecom consumers receiving scam or spam messages on their mobile phones. CRA also have received some complaints about this issue.
CRA, mandated to regulate the telecoms sector and protect consumers, is currently drafting a code of conduct that will provide a framework to ensure that marketing and advertising activities through mobile phones are carried out in a way that complies with the legal, regulatory and social obligations of the senders. The code will also ensure the protection of a consumer’s right to receive information and to stop receiving any such information whenever they want to in a simple process. These unwanted messages fall into two categories:
CRA has engaged with the service providers to address these two categories. Until stringent measures are in place, we advise telecom consumers in Qatar to help address this unwanted challenge.
Messages received through the short messaging service or SMS
Both Ooredoo and Vodafone have mechanisms and processes in place to block specific numbers for individuals, or for all consumers in Qatar if the same number is found to send scam message to multiple consumers.
Ooredoo has in place a Fraud Management System as well as Customer Care Management System to investigate all complaints related to spam, scam and premium services. Ooredoo customers who receive spam and scam messages can:
Vodafone customers who receive spam and scam messages can:
Messages received through over-the-top applications
Most of the OTT applications allow users to report and block unwanted senders. If you need any assistance in how to use the app, contact your service provider through their customer service hotline. If you continue to receive messages from unknown numbers through the OTT applications, contact your service provider to block that number.
CRA takes its consumer protection mandate very seriously. Most of the consumer complaints received by the CRA are about related premium services, consumer’s inability to unsubscribe, spam and scam, etc. CRA investigates these complaints and works with service providers to resolve them in keeping with The Telecommunications Law and, By-Law, as well as the Consumer Protection Policy and the Advertising Code.
We are now exploring additional mechanisms and regulatory enforcements that will further clarify the use of telecom services. In doing so, we have and will continue to engage with relevant external authorities and service providers to increase customer benefits while safeguarding their rights.