Scammers making calls without ‘+’ prefix may be using local SIM cards, say experts

SCAMMERS who make calls that show up as local numbers without the “+” prefix are likely to be using local SIM cards rather than number-spoofing techniques, said several experts.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) had required all Singapore telcos to add a “+” prefix for international incoming calls since April 2020, to help Singapore residents better identify potential scam calls.

It now appears that scammers are trying to circumvent this safeguard by making their calls from local numbers instead.