Phone Call Scams: Why it’s (usually) a bad idea to call back unknown numbers
You get a phone call from a number you don’t recognize. Do you answer?
Maybe.
Or maybe you let it go to voicemail and then wonder if you should call back. It’s tempting, especially if curiosity gets the better of you.
Eventually you decide ‘what’s the harm?’ and call back the number… but you just hear beeps on the other end. And then you start getting 5-10 unknown calls and texts every day for the next month. Why did this happen?
In this post, we’ll explore why calling back unknown numbers is risky, how scammers operate, and the steps you can take to protect yourself. If you haven’t read the previous post on How to Spot Fake Calls, make sure you check out that one first.
Why Calling Back an Unknown Number can be Risky
While it might seem harmless to return a missed call, doing so can expose you to several dangers.
First and most importantly, calling back an unknown number Confirms Your Number Is Active. By calling back, you let scammers know that your phone number is “monitored”, meaning it is actively in use and that you are likely to answer calls. This confirmation significantly increases the value of your number to scammers, leading to a drastic increase in unsolicited calls, texts, and even emails.
Why?
In simple terms, scammers use automated systems to dial a large number of random phone numbers, often generated sequentially. When you return a missed call, your number is confirmed as active, and your number can be:
Sold to Other Scammers: Your number may be added to lists that are sold or shared among different scam operations, increasing the volume of scam attempts you receive. One “active” phone number is worth a lot more to scammers than even 500 “inactive” phone numbers. This is why when someone has been scammed, they often receive numerous follow-up scam calls, texts, and even letters.
Targeted with Phishing Attempts: Knowing that you answer calls, scammers might attempt to extract personal information by posing as legitimate entities, such as banks or government agencies.
Subjected to Smishing and Vishing: Beyond calls, scammers may target you with fraudulent text messages (smishing) or voice calls (vishing), attempting to deceive you into providing sensitive information or making payments. Sometimes they might even send you to a fraudulent website, which is designed to look legitimate (but isn’t). These websites can trick you into providing your username, password, or other sensitive information.
Another common trick is the Premium Rate Scam. Some phone numbers are set up to charge extremely high fees per minute (think, like a talk phone lines, a Telehealth hotline that charges for consultations, a psychic that charged pay-per-minute readings over the phone, or a lawyer that bills by the minute).. Known as “premium rate numbers,” these can rack up charges before you even realize it.
You’ll only discover the hefty cost when your phone bill arrives much, much later.
Red Flags to Watch For in Unknown Phone Numbers
Let’s say ignoring all unknown calls feels rude to you.
Maybe you’d like to return some of the calls, sometimes. That’s okay. The most important part is mitigating as much risk as you can.
Before you call back an unknown number, consider these warning signs:
Urgent or Vague Voicemails: Scammers often use messages that create a sense of urgency or confusion, such as claims about unpaid bills or prizes you’ve won, but rarely use your name.
Repeated Calls from the Same Number: A scammer might call multiple times in quick succession to pressure you into responding. This can also override some of the “Do Not Disturb” features, that allow calls from numbers that have called multiple times in a short period.
Numbers That Appear Similar to Yours: Some scammers use numbers that mimic your area code or the first few digits of your phone number to make the call look more familiar.
How to Protect Yourself From Future Scams
Preventing scam calls entirely might not be possible, but these tips can help reduce your risk:
Use Call Blocking Apps: Many apps can identify and block known scam numbers. Some phone carriers also offer this service.
Enable Call Screening: Some smartphones allow you to screen calls with automated assistants that verify the caller’s identity before you answer.
Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, it’s safer to let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a clear message with details about who they are and why they’re calling.
Educate Yourself and Others: Share what you’ve learned about phone scams with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Report the Call: In the U.S., you can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting helps authorities track and combat scams. Here’s more information on reporting calls.
Final Thoughts
Scammers count on curiosity and urgency to catch people off guard. By recognizing the warning signs and staying cautious, you can protect yourself from unnecessary stress, financial loss, and identity theft.
Remember, it’s okay to let calls go unanswered. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message or find another way to reach you. Your safety and peace of mind are worth far more than satisfying a moment of curiosity.
Stay informed, stay cautious, and always think twice before hitting that call-back button. Additional reading can be found here. You can also download the free internet safety guide PDF or attend one of our upcoming workshops.