New phone number rule to stop fake spam calls
The government has told delivery and utility companies to use a special new number series starting with 1601 for service calls.
What is happening
Getting a lot of annoying phone calls from strangers trying to sell things? The government has made a new rule to fix this. Companies that send delivery updates or utility bills must now use special phone numbers that start with 1601. This helps people know who is calling right away.
Why it matters
Right now, scammers and spammers often pretend to be real companies to trick people. By giving real delivery and service companies their own special number series, it will be much easier for you to tell if a phone call is safe or if it is a trick.
- Delivery and utility companies must use the 1601 number series.
- Banks and government offices already use a similar system.
- This rule helps protect people from phone scams.
What happens next
Companies are now changing their systems to follow this new rule. Soon, whenever a delivery person or utility provider calls you, you will see the 1601 code on your phone screen and know it is safe to answer.