Fraud schemes, especially spam calls from the +44 area code, are increasingly problematic. Scammers use recorded messages to entice victims into WhatsApp scams, promising fake job offers and potential identity theft. These calls can also result in high charges due to ‘ping calls.’ To protect yourself, avoid answering suspicious numbers, hang up on automated messages, and utilize features like ‘Smart Call’ on Samsung or blocking unknown numbers on iPhones. Apps like tellows can also help filter unwanted calls.
Every day, we find ourselves facing a myriad of fraud schemes that complicate our lives. Staying vigilant against phishing emails, the grandchild scam, and unsolicited spam calls is crucial. Among these, spam calls can be particularly exasperating.
A specific number with the area code +44 has been popping up frequently, and it’s becoming increasingly troublesome. These calls are the handiwork of scammers with malicious intentions, aiming to steal your personal information and potentially engage in identity theft.
Emerging Scam from the UK
The +44 area code indicates that the calls originate from the United Kingdom. Upon answering, you are greeted with a recorded message stating, “Hello, I want to talk to you about work. Add me on WhatsApp,” before the call abruptly ends. This tactic allows the scammers to achieve two primary objectives.
Firstly, they may attempt to lure you into a scam on WhatsApp, promising lucrative job offers for simple tasks that supposedly pay well in cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, you will never see this money, leaving you with wasted time and effort.
In some instances, these fraudsters might request money from you, claiming it will be reimbursed as part of your salary. They are equally interested in collecting your personal data.
Alternatively, these calls could be ‘ping calls,’ where the callers hope you will return the call out of curiosity. However, this can lead to exorbitant charges, as the UK is no longer part of the EU following Brexit. The caller aims to extend the conversation, increasing your costs and making it difficult for you to hang up.
Effective Strategies for Safeguarding Yourself
Numbers such as +447300287048, +447383072535, and +447307398680 are flagged as highly dangerous by the tellows platform. If you see any of these numbers, it is best not to answer. Similar unsolicited calls are also emerging from the Netherlands and Portugal.
In general, if you hear an automated message when you answer a call, it’s best to hang up right away. No legitimate business would initiate contact with a pre-recorded message. Additionally, any phone call involving comparisons related to utility providers, banks, or similar services is a strong indicator of a fraudulent attempt.
It’s wise to refrain from responding to these calls altogether. Even a simple “yes” could lead to dire consequences, as scammers may record your response and use it against you to falsely confirm a contract. Therefore, the safest course of action is to hang up immediately.
To defend yourself against spam calls, consider activating the ‘Smart Call’ feature on Samsung devices. iPhone users can block unknown numbers for added protection.
You might also want to try the tellows app, which provides automatic warnings and blocks unwanted calls. For landline users, the tellows call protection feature for the FRITZ!Box offers an excellent way to shield against spam calls.