An unknown number calling you can be annoying, though these calls can also be dangerous if they are related to scammers. It’s important to know what to look out for when an unknown number calls you, and you should be ready to block and screen all unknown numbers that reach your phone. Our article tells you what to know when an unknown number is calling.
Are Unknown Numbers Always Scams?
While not every unknown number call you receive will be a scam, many of these calls are scams. Unknown numbers may be caused by robo-dialers or other automations that simply check to see if numbers are valid before scammers contact the number and try to get money or information from a person. It’s important that you take your time to verify an unknown number if you suspect a scam in order to protect yourself.
If you manage to find the numbers of a hidden or unknown number call, you can input this phone number online on a phone lookup site and run a quick search to see the identity of the person calling you.
Red Flags With Unknown Number Calls
Unknown number calls are challenging to deal with. Below, we give you some red flags to keep in mind that indicate an unknown number is a scam.
- The phone only rings once, which is done in an attempt to get you to call back and pay large connection fees
- You answer, and the other person is claiming to be from a government agency or other official entity
- The person on the other end of the call tries to convince you to give them money, information, or gift cards
- The call is urgent and seems to be threatening, or the individual speaking with you is rude and pushing you to give information or money, no matter what
Can I Block Unknown Number Calls?
It is possible to block and screen unknown number calls, but the process for doing this depends on the type of phone system you have.
Some cell phone service providers have apps for blocking and screening suspicious unknown number calls, or you can visit the App Store or the Google Play Store, depending on your phone’s system, to install a reputable and legitimate phone screening app.
You can also manually block unknown numbers by waiting for the call to stop ringing, then accessing the missed call and tapping the ‘block’ option.
How Do I Protect My Phone Number Information?
Protecting your phone number information is vital, as these details landing in the wrong hands can leave you vulnerable to all types of unknown number phone call scams. In general, you should refrain from easily handing out your phone number when signing up for things online, and you should never input your phone number or other personal details into websites that could potentially be a fraud or scam.
If you do need to use your phone to sign up for things, it’s a good idea to have an alternate phone number, such as a Google Voice number, in your possession, as this protects your real phone number.
What If I Answer an Unknown Number Call?
Sometimes, it can be perfectly fine to answer an unknown number call, as you may be waiting for a call from an employer who is hiring or a friend whose number you do not have saved.
However, if you aren’t too sure about who is calling from an unknown number and you answer, only to be confronted with a potential scam, you should simply hang up the phone.
Spending too much time talking to scammers that call from unknown numbers can leave you open to more calls in the future, and scammers will attempt to get all the information they can from you while you are on the phone with them.
If you have suspicions about a call, it is always safer to hang up and block the number, and then investigate it. You can also call an agency, such as a government agency, back directly using the verified number on their official website to determine if the call you received was legitimate or a scam.
Unknown Number Calling – When to Answer
Unknown numbers calling your phone can be a nuisance at best, and a dangerous attempt at scamming you at worst. It’s important to be aware of all of the warning signs of a scam and to consider letting unknown number calls go to voicemail to determine whether or not they are legitimate. When you practice property phone safety and take steps to avoid unknown number calls, you may experience a decrease in these calls; using proper screening and blocking services can also help you reduce the number of unknown number calls you get each day.