How To Stop Scam Calls?

December 7, 2023 Scam Reviewer
How to stop scam calls

Table of contents:

1. What are scam calls?

2. Recognising common scam call tactics

3. Unveiling technologies utilised to counter scam calls

4. How can you safeguard your personal information from scam calls?

5. FAQs

Is it possible to lose perceptive information on a phone call? Certainly yes. Tricksters pose as various legitimate service providers and provide magnifying offers, which in reality don’t exist. The main aim of them is to acquire sensitive information, which includes the personal and financial details of an unsuspecting victim, and use it further for crafty activities.

What are scam calls?

Scam calls encompass various unscrupulous tactics conducted by tricksters impersonating legitimate individuals or entities to manipulate unsuspecting individuals into divulging sensitive information, which includes unauthorised payments or engaging in harmful activities. These calls typically exploit psychological triggers, urgency, and trust in tricksters blindfolded. Some common types of scam calls include IRS impersonations, social engineering scams, tech support scams, lottery fraud, and many more. However, recognising these tactics, safeguarding personal information, and promoting awareness are crucial steps to halt the success of scam calls.

Recognising common scam call tactics

Recognising common scam call tactics can be challenging, as tricksters use them in a sophisticated way. However, there are some common scam call tactics you can identify or recognise effortlessly, including:

1. Spoofing caller IDs – In this technique, tricksters manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as if the call is coming from a trusted source, such as a government agency or a well-known company.

2. Threats and Fear – Tricksters use fear tactics, which include legal actions, claiming arrest warrants, or facing miserable consequences unless the victim complies with their demands.

3. Impersonating legal authorities – They pose as government officials, law enforcement officers, or bank representatives to gain trust and extract personal information or money from unsuspecting victims.

4. Tech Support Scams – In this technique, tricksters pose as tech support representatives, warning of computer problems and offering to overcome them for a fee while getting access to sensitive data.

5. Charity and Disaster Scams – In this technique, tricksters pose as charitable institutes to solicit fake donations by taking advantage of disasters or tragedies.

6. Robocalls – In this technique, tricksters use automated phone calls to deliver pre-recorded messages that are used in deceit, telemarketing, or to drive political campaigns, targeting multiple unsuspecting recipients.

7. Social Engineering – Tricksters build rapport by creating emotional connections and exploiting vulnerabilities to manipulate victims into giving out sensitive information, such as personal and financial details.

8. Unsolicited Offers – This is a technique where tricksters offer unexpected and unrequested proposals, often related to products, services, or investments.

Unveiling technologies utilised to counter scam calls

A variety of technologies are employed to counter scam calls and protect users from falling victim to fraudulent activities. Mentioned below are some of these technologies:

  • Caller ID Authenticator – This framework validates caller IDs by digitally signing and confirming the source of the calls. Additionally, it also aids in the prevention of caller ID spoofing, which is one of the most common strategies used by tricksters.
  • Call Screening Apps – Users are capable of filtering and rejecting calls from known scam numbers and dubious sources using a variety of apps, both those included with cellphones and those that can be downloaded from third parties.
  • Robocall Blockers – This tool helps users identify and block automated calls that often use databases of known scam numbers and also uses AI algorithms to spot suspicious patterns.
  • AI-Powered Voice Analysis – In recent times, AI models have also been designed to analyse voice patterns to detect signs of fraud or manipulation, which helps users detect potential scam calls.
  • Government Stratagems – In some nations, the government has developed “Do Not Call” lists and reporting methods for scam calls. Moreover, these safeguards can assist in the detection and prevention of fraudulent actions.
  • Machine Learning Algorithms – Telecom companies and third-party apps use machine learning algorithms to continuously improve their ability to identify and block scam calls based on advancing patterns.

How to handle scam calls without falling victim?

The best way to handle scam calls without falling victim is by being cautious and not providing any personal or financial information. For instance, if you receive a call from an individual claiming to be from a financial or government agency, be cautious before providing any information over the phone. Instead, hang up and call the organisation using a verified phone number, which you can obtain from their official website or another trusted source. Moreover, you can also consider blocking the number or reporting the scam to the legal authorities, such as local police or law enforcement agencies. Overall, you can consider using a call-blocking app or service to help prevent scam calls in the future.

How can you safeguard your personal information from scam calls?

Safeguarding your personal information from scam calls is essential to securing yourself and your sensitive information from various financial frauds and other unscrupulous activities. Mentioned below are some steps you can take:

  • Refrain from sharing sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, credit card numbers, or any other personal information, over the phone with someone you don’t know or trust.
  • Your phone might have built-in features or apps that help block or filter scam calls or other unscrupulous activities. Exploring these options can help you reduce the number of unwanted calls you potentially receive.
  • Research and choose various apps and services that are available to specialise in recognising and blocking robocalls and scam calls.
  • Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry in your country. This process will help you stop all scam calls, and it can also help you spot the number of legitimate telemarketing calls.
  • If you receive a call from a service provider asking for sensitive information, such as resetting passwords or verifying identity, hang up and call, as the official customer service number of the organisation will never ask for such sensitive information on a phone call.
  • Update the operating system and security software on your smartphone and other devices regularly. This safeguarding technique can solely aid in defending yourself against weaknesses that tricksters use.

FAQs

Yes, there are various apps available for iOS and Android devices that can help recognise and block scam calls. Some popular applications include Truecaller, Robocaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo. These apps typically use databases of known scam numbers to warn or automatically block such calls on your behalf.

Yes, a variety of smartphones have in-built call-blocking and filtering features. These features typically allow you to block particular numbers or filter calls based on particular characteristics, which includes blocking calls from unknown numbers that are not in your contact list.

Tricksters use one of the most common techniques called "spoofing" to manipulate caller ID information. They impersonate as though the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a government official or other legal authorities. However, in reality, tricksters utilise unscrupulous techniques to acquire sensitive information. Therefore, it is imperative to not solely rely on caller ID for authenticity.

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