Truecaller Report: Telecom Operators are Responsible for 85% of Spam Calls, SMS in Nigeria

In the last year, the volume of spam calls and SMS received by subscribers in Nigeria has increased. A recent Truecaller report revealed that telecom operators are responsible for about 85% of spams received.

According to the report, an average Truecaller user in Nigeria received 30 spam messages and 8.4 spam calls per month, 20% higher than the figures recorded last year.

The top spammers recorded in the country were telecom operators with 85%, as the data suggested that they use subscriber information to spam their customers with data plans and promotions.

Other categories of spamming like telemarketing accounted for 3% while Robo-calls, and financial service providers, amongst others, registered 12%.

“Nigeria ranked among top 20 countries affected by spams calls, SMS

Insights from the report indicated that Nigeria was one of the top 20 countries affected by spam calls and SMS globally. Nigeria last appeared on the list in 2017, showing that the considerable increase of spamming by operators from 61% to 85% was responsible.

Nigeria ranked 18^th for spam calls and 7^th for spam SMS. Other African countries who ranked high on the spam list include South Africa and Egypt who ranked 6^th and 20th respectively.

Spamming in Nigeria

Every year, mobile phone penetration in Nigeria increases and as the data shows, side effects such as spams is on the increase. In response to complaints, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), created a Do-Not-Disturb Code (2442) to enable consumers deactivate unsolicited messages.

However, spams seem to be on the increase despite the regulations, showing that something more is needed to curb the menace of spam.

Most anti-spam laws in existence today take the form of so-called “opt-in” or “opt-out” regulations. Others require senders to identify certain messages as unsolicited or punishes senders who use fraudulent or deceptive techniques.

In Australia, the government actively involves telecom operators in the struggle against spam. They are required to detect and stop zombie computers on their networks (infected end-user computers which distribute malware and spam).

However, in Nigeria, this measure would be difficult as it appears that telecoms are the biggest offender. The fact remains that added regulations like fines and prosecutions of offenders will be needed if the spamming numbers are to drop.

This year alone spamming increased by 18% globally, with about nine African countries being among the most affected according to Truecaller.