Do Not Originate List

Introduction

Interested organisations are invited to submit suitable telephone numbers to a Do Not Originate list (“DNO List”) being compiled by ComReg. The following sections describe the background to and benefits of the DNO List. This infographic contains further information.

What is the ‘Do Not Originate list’?

Many organisations use phone numbers that are only used for their clients or customers to contact them on e.g. for banking or public service helplines. These numbers are not used for making calls and are called “inbound-only” phone numbers.

In recent years, some inbound-only numbers have been “spoofed”, meaning that scammers have directed traffic to consumers pretending to come from these numbers. Consumers can be deceived or scammed as a result.

ComReg and the telecoms industry have discussed how to prevent scam voice calls in Ireland. One measure identified is the compilation and implementation of a DNO List.

The DNO List is a list of inbound-only numbers used by organisations and likely to be spoofed. Telecoms operators will block calls that present as numbers from the DNO List and so, scam calls on those numbers will cease.

Who compiles and maintains the DNO List?

ComReg compiles and maintains the DNO List. Organisations wishing to apply to add numbers to the DNO List should refer to the Guidance Note and Application Form.

Who assigns phone numbers in Ireland?

ComReg assigns phone numbers to telecoms operators in Ireland.

Telecoms operators, in turn, provide these numbers to their customers (e.g. organisations and consumers) for their needs.

Why are inbound-only numbers at risk of scamming?

Some organisations widely publicise their inbound-only numbers to consumers e.g. in adverts, on bank cards. Consumers may therefore recognise these numbers and place a level of trust in them.

Scammers know and can exploit this by using technology to make calls appear to be from a number associated with a particular organisation. Consumers can unknowingly answer such calls and be scammed or inconvenienced as a result.

What numbers should be included on DNO List?

The following types of inbound-only numbers are suitable for the DNO List:

• Phone numbers that have a high likelihood of being scammed, including geographic numbers e.g. such as 01, 021 numbers, and Non-Geographic Numbers e.g. 1800 and 0818 numbers
• Phone numbers that have been scammed in the past
• High-profile or widely advertised phone numbers e.g. numbers on bank cards, public service numbers
• Phone numbers with high volumes of consumer traffic

Some phone numbers are not suitable for the DNO List:

• Phone numbers that are in use for making outbound calls must not be included on the DNO List as these calls will be blocked. Organisations should first ask their serving telecoms operator to check if there is live outbound traffic before proposing any numbers for the DNO List.
• Phone numbers that have a low probability of being spoofed (e.g, internal business numbers).

How do I apply to add a number to the DNO List?

ComReg welcomes applications from organisations for numbers to add to the DNO list. Please note above the types of numbers most suitable for inclusion.

Organisations wishing to apply to add numbers to the DNO List should refer to the Guidance Note and Application Form

Is there a fee to add a number to or remove a number from the DNO List?

There is no fee to add or remove a number from the DNO List.

Will I be notified if my number is included on the DNO?

ComReg will not notify a DNO applicant if their number is to be included on the DNO List. However, if a DNO request is refused, ComReg will notify the applicant.

If my number is included on the DNO, will I be notified when my number is blocked by operators?

No, as operators implement the DNO at different times, there is no mechanism for notifying applicants when a number block is in place.

My number was accidentally included on the DNO and has been blocked, how can I unblock it?

ComReg has a process to remove numbers from the DNO List. Please refer to the Guidance Note and Application Form

Who can I contact with a query on the DNO List?

If you have any queries on the DNO List, please email dno@comreg.ie