Free and Belgium's Fraudstop launch new tools to curb phone fraud

French telecom operator Free has added free anti‑spam filters to its Freebox and Free Mobile services. The filters are activated by default, block calls identified as scams, phishing or unwanted telemarketing, and can be customized by users through the subscriber portal. Freebox users can manage the filter via the service menu or short‑code, while Free Mobile’s "Antispam voix" automatically detects suspicious calls.

In Belgium, the Fraudstop service, managed by Worldline and launched with Febelfin and consumer‑protection minister Rob Beenders, recorded more than 6,700 fraud‑related calls in its first month. The calls, averaging about 200 per day and representing roughly 12 % of total traffic to the shared 078 170 170 number, allow citizens to report suspected banking fraud and have payments blocked. Fraudstop complements existing bank fraud hotlines and offers a single, easily recognizable contact point for victims.