The article outlines common phone scams, such as the grandchild trick and subscription traps, and emphasizes their stress-inducing nature, particularly spam calls. It provides instructions for blocking unwanted numbers on both iOS and Android devices. Additionally, it highlights the risks of foreign scam calls and offers advice on handling such situations, including never disclosing personal information. The piece concludes by recommending an app to help users manage and protect against spam calls.
Every day, we are inundated with various types of scams, with the grandparent scam, bogus competitions, and phishing messages being the most prevalent. While these scams typically arrive via chat or email, making them relatively easy to ignore, spam calls are a different challenge altogether.
Frequent calls from unknown numbers can be a major source of anxiety, particularly for those who aren’t fond of talking on the phone. These unwelcome calls can quickly escalate into a form of harassment. Moreover, phone scammers often employ persuasive tactics to draw unsuspecting individuals into their deceitful schemes, making these calls potentially dangerous.
To safeguard yourself against these scams and enjoy a sense of security, it’s essential to proactively block known spam numbers. Below, we outline how to identify these numbers and the steps to block them on both iPhone and Android devices.
Blocking Numbers on iOS and Android Devices
The method for blocking unwanted phone numbers varies between smartphone platforms. On an iOS device, you first need to save the undesirable number in your contacts. After saving it, you can block the number from your contact list. Our comprehensive guide outlines this process step-by-step.
For Android users, the process is slightly different. You can block numbers directly from your call history. We’ve compiled detailed instructions to help you through this procedure as well.
Numbers You Should Immediately Block
Recently, many spam calls have emerged as cost traps, according to reports from Clever Dial. Scammers often attempt to lure you into pricey subscriptions, contracts, or unwanted products.
The following ten numbers are linked to scams aimed at ensnaring victims with subscription services or falsely claiming that you have won a prize. In many cases, they will ask for sensitive information or demand payment, often under the guise of canceling a nonexistent subscription or claiming a reward.
Currently, there is a significant increase in spam calls originating from overseas. Notably, callers from the Netherlands using the number +31 6 12539230 are particularly aggressive. Additionally, there are three numbers from Austria among the ten most troublesome spam callers.
It’s imperative to block the numbers listed below to avoid falling victim to these scams.
In addition to traditional phone scams, remain vigilant against suspicious calls and messages on platforms like WhatsApp. A new wave of scams involves contacts from India (area code +91), Indonesia (area code +62), and Malaysia (area code +60) reaching out to you. Do not engage with these contacts under any circumstances.
Best Practices for Handling Spam Calls
Even with precautions in place, you might still receive a call from a scammer. If you find yourself answering one of these calls, adhere to a few key guidelines.
Never share personal information or confirm details provided by the caller. It’s advisable to avoid using the word ‘yes’ during the conversation, as scammers can cleverly manipulate your responses. They might record your voice and use snippets out of context to suggest that you agreed to a contract, for instance. Always respond using complete sentences.
For added protection against spam calls, consider using a free app from ‘Das Örtliche Telefonbuch,’ which offers features like reverse search, automatic call detection, and spam protection. This app can alert you in advance about unwanted callers, helping you stay one step ahead in the fight against spam.