Complaints about number spoofing in Germany are on the rise. According to the Federal Network Agency, which reported on Wednesday, it received a total of 154,624 complaints in 2024, an increase of around 8% from the previous year (143,061).
To combat number spoofing, the Federal Network Agency shut down around 6,500 phone numbers in 2024. This technical measure ensures that the phone numbers can no longer be used for malicious purposes. The agency primarily took this measure in cases where victims complained about unwanted short messages (SMS) or messages on messenger services, for example, when scammers pretended to be relatives and demanded money, the agency said.
The Federal Network Agency imposed a ban on around 1,100 phone numbers, prohibiting them from sending invoices for unauthorized costs or demanding such payments. This happened, for instance, when hackers generated cost-based connections and thus generated unauthorized costs for consumers through hacking of routers or telephone networks.
The high number of complaints shows that many people still fell victim to number spoofing in 2024, said Klaus Müller, the president of the Federal Network Agency. “We are fighting this misuse and protecting people from financial losses.”
For the pursuit of number spoofing, the Federal Network Agency relies on tips from consumers. To file a complaint, the agency provides several online forms on its website, tailored to the specific case scenario.