Ukraine has blocked 100,000 spam numbers: how to stop sales calls
1 May 05:41
In Ukraine, mobile operators have already blocked more than 100,000 numbers used for spam calls in the six months since the new electronic communications regulations took effect. This includes intrusive advertising, automated voice messages, suspicious calls, and numbers that cannot be called back. This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The ministry explained that the blocking system operates based on subscriber complaints and technical analysis of number activity. In other words, a number is not blocked automatically after a single complaint—it is reviewed against a set of criteria.
How to report spam calls
Ukrainians can file a complaint about unwanted advertising or suspicious calls in three official ways.
1. Contact your mobile carrier
You can file a complaint through your carrier’s app, hotline, or customer support.
Here are the contact details for the major carriers:
| Operator | How to contact |
|---|---|
| Vodafone | 111 or 0 800 400 111 in Ukraine, 38 050 400 111 while roaming |
| Kyivstar | 466 or 0 800 300 466 in Ukraine, 105466#while roaming |
| lifecell | 5433 or 0 800 20 5433 in Ukraine, 38 063 5433 111 while roaming |
Some operators also accept complaints via mobile apps.
2. Call the government hotline
The second method is to contact the government hotline at:
1545
You can report unwanted calls, intrusive advertising, or suspicious calls there.
3. Submit a complaint to the NCC
You can also fill out an online form on the NCCIR website—the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Spectrum, and Postal Services.
Who can be blocked
The Ministry of Digital Transformation emphasizes that random or ordinary numbers should not be blocked without cause. After a complaint is filed, the system checks the number based on technical parameters.
A number may be blocked if it meets at least two criteria from the list:
- it is impossible to call the number back;
- an automated audio recording is used instead of a live conversation;
- calls last less than 60 seconds or there is no voice connection after the call connects;
- the SIM card is used only for outgoing calls without internet or SMS;
- more than 50% of calls are made to unique numbers that do not repeat;
- the number receives a large number of complaints from various subscribers.
How blocking works
The new rules allow operators to respond more quickly to mass advertising or fraudulent calls. If a number exhibits typical spammer behavior—making mass calls to various people, not answering incoming calls, or playing a recorded message—the operator can restrict its operation.
The goal of these rules is to reduce the number of intrusive calls and protect subscribers from fraud, fake prizes, pseudo-loans, dubious offers, and automated advertising messages.
Why this matters
Spam calls are not just a nuisance. They often involve fraudulent schemes: people may be asked to provide bank details, SMS codes, personal information, or click on suspicious links.
That’s why blocking these numbers helps not only reduce the amount of intrusive advertising but also protect users from potential financial losses.
What to do if you receive calls from spammers
If you receive intrusive calls, do not respond to suspicious requests, share personal data, or click on links sent after the call.
The best thing to do is:
- block the number;
- do not disclose personal or banking information;
- file a complaint with your carrier, by calling 1545, or through the NCC;
- block the number on your phone;
- tell older relatives so they can be careful too.
