Phone scams are getting smarter, and scammers are finding new ways to trick people every day. According to the U.S. PIRG, the median loss for scam phone calls was $1,480 in the first half of 2024. Despite being cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers, many people still don’t know how to identify a scam.
That’s why it’s important to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. In this post, we’ll go over common signs of fraudulent numbers, useful tools to check if a number is fraud, and the best steps to take if you ever receive a scam call.
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How Can You Check If a Number Is Fraud?
There are diverse methods to check if a number is fraudulent or not. Following these steps will help protect you from potential scams:
1. Register and Check the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a database maintained by the United States federal government, which includes the phone numbers of people who have requested not to be contacted by telemarketers. Registering your number can reduce unsolicited calls, but if you still receive them, it can indicate fraudulent activity.
2. Use caller ID and spam-blocking apps
Several apps offer real-time caller ID and spam-blocking features, which help users avoid fraudulent calls. Before downloading a caller ID app, check its reviews and ratings to ensure reliability, as some apps may have security vulnerabilities. Here are some of the most popular used options:
- Truecaller: A smartphone app that offers caller ID, call blocking, and reverse lookup features. It has a massive database of phone numbers and is available for both Android and iOS devices.
- BeenVerified: Offers background checks and reverse phone number lookup services, allowing users to gather information about incoming calls.
- PeopleFinders: Provides public records, including address and phone number histories, helping to identify unknown callers.
- RealCall: An AI-based app that detects, answers, and blocks fraudulent calls and messages. It offers a reverse phone number lookup service and custom answering bots to handle unwanted calls.
- NumBuster!: A phone community app that allows users to find the contact details of any phone number, exchange information about numbers with other users, and block calls and messages.
3. Report suspicious numbers to authorities
If you suspect a number is fraudulent, reporting it to the appropriate authorities can help combat scams:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC collects complaints about fraudulent calls and takes action against scammers. Complaints can be made through their official website.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC addresses unwanted telemarketing calls and implements regulations to protect consumers. Complaints can be filed on their website.
What Happens When You Answer Unknown Numbers?
Answering calls from unknown numbers can put your personal and financial security at risk. Scammers use all kinds of tricks to steal money, personal data, and even your identity, so knowing how to spot a fraud attack is more important than ever:
1. Your Identity Can Be Stolen
Scammers can use phone calls to gather sensitive information without you even realizing it. For example, they may record your voice and use it to authorize fraudulent transactions or access your accounts.
2. Your Money Could Be at Risk
Some phone scams are designed to steal money directly. One common scheme is the “son in distress” scam, where a scammer pretends to be a relative in trouble and asks for urgent money transfers. Another tactic is the “Wangari scam”, where criminals leave missed calls from international numbers, tricking victims into calling back and racking up expensive charges.
3. Your Privacy Could Be Exposed
Even answering a scam call can put your privacy at risk. Fraudsters may record your voice for fraud, impersonate banks to steal data, or use your number for identity theft. Some even harass, blackmail, or commit crimes under your name with the information they gather.
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What Are the Common Signs of a Fraudulent Number?
Identifying fraudulent phone numbers is the first step in protecting yourself from scam calls. Some common signs of fraudulent numbers are:
- Unsolicited Calls from Unknown Numbers: Receiving unexpected calls from unknown numbers, especially those with international or unusual area codes, can be a warning sign. Scammers often use auto-dialers to reach a wide audience.
- Urgent or Threatening Messages: Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency or fear to manipulate victims. They may claim that you owe money to the government or that your Social Security number has been compromised, threatening legal action or arrest if you don’t make immediate payment.
- Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate organizations typically don’t ask for sensitive information over the phone. Be extra cautious of callers who ask for personal details such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or passwords. These requests are common in voice phishing (vishing) scams, where scammers pretend to be trusted entities to steal your information.
- Requests for Payment Through Untraceable Methods: Scammers often insist on payments through unconventional, hard-to-trace methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Be aware if the caller ID shows a familiar number, such as yours or a local business, but the call seems suspicious. Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted source.
- Robocalls and Prerecorded Messages: Receiving calls with prerecorded messages, especially those asking you to press buttons or provide information, can indicate a scam. Legitimate businesses often use agents for important communications and don’t ask for sensitive information through robocalls.
- Deals too Good to be True: Calls telling you about unexpected prizes or exclusive offers that require an upfront payment or personal information are typically scams.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from a Fraudulent Number?
If you suspect a phone number is fraudulent, it’s important to exercise caution to protect your personal and financial information. Some tips to protect your information include:
- Don’t answer or interact with the call: If you receive a call from an unknown or suspicious number, it’s safest not to answer. If you accidentally answer and are asked for personal or financial information, hang up immediately.
- Don’t follow instructions from automated recordings: If the call is a recording that asks you to press buttons to stop receiving calls, hang up.
- Block the suspicious number: Use your phone’s features to block unwanted numbers. This will help prevent future calls from that number.
- Monitor your bank and credit accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to your bank.
- Stay informed about the latest scams: Stay updated on the latest social engineering techniques to recognize scam calls and protect your number and identity.
Verify Suspicious Numbers Before You Answer
In 2023, American adults lost over $25.4 billion to phone scams, with 21%—more than 56.2 million people—falling victim, according to TrueCaller. To stay safe from this type of scam, your best defense is knowledge and technology, which help you check unknown numbers before answering.
That’s why it’s important to be cautious with unknown calls and to use safe tools to identify potential scams. However, if you have already been a victim of a scam call or are seeking extra help and resources, at Cryptoscam Defense Network, we provide a community and tools to assist and support fraud victims.
We Want to Hear From You!
Fraud recovery is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our community is here to help you share, learn, and protect yourself from future frauds.
Why Join Us?
- Community support: Share your experiences with people who understand.
- Useful resources: Learn from our tools and guides to prevent fraud.
- Safe space: A welcoming place to share your story and receive support.
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