Calling numbers, especially those that remain unfamiliar or are sent out of the blue, can lead to unexpected consequences.
Sometimes, these numbers can lead to scams, hacks, or other forms of malicious activities. Unfortunately, some people fall into these traps due to the lack of knowledge and awareness.
- “One-Ring” Phone Scams
In most cases, an individual receives a call from an unknown number which rings once before disconnecting. The curiosity may provoke the person to call back. These numbers are associated with expensive premium rates which can result in exorbitant charges on the phone bill.
| Common “One-ring” Scam Numbers |
|---|
| 268 area codes |
| 809 area codes |
| 876 area codes |
- Numbers that start with “900”
Numbers that commence with “900” belong to Pay-Per-Call services, where calling these numbers will result in charges to your phone bill. They vary in rates and can be significantly high, sometimes with hidden fees.
| Common “900” Numbers |
|---|
| 1-900-490-FREAK |
| 1-900-9099-CRYO |
- Numbers that start with “976”
These are another set of numbers Americans should be wary of. They operate similarly to “900” numbers but are usually based in Canada.
- Calls from Strange Area Codes
Sometimes, scammers use international area codes that look like they are within the USA but are in fact international rates in disguise. These numbers often result in high long-distance fees.
| Common International Scam Area Codes |
|---|
| 242 (Bahamas) |
| 441 (Bermuda) |
| 784 (St. Vincent and Grenadines) |
- Spoofed Numbers
Scammers also use a technique called “spoofing” where they pretend to be a local or trusted number to trick the recipient into answering.
- Text Messages from Unknown Numbers
It’s vital, too, to be careful about responding to text messages from unknown numbers, as these can lead hackers straight to sensitive personal information.
Guarding against unwanted scam calls takes diligence and education. It’s crucial for every person to be aware when it comes to answering or responding to unrecognized calls or texts. When in doubt, search the number online first or have your phone set up to block suspicious numbers automatically.
For more security, registering your phone number in the National Do Not Call Registry can lessen the number of unsolicited calls received.
As the old adage goes: ‘better safe than sorry.’ Stay informed and help spread this awareness against phone scams and hackers to protect not just yourself but everyone else as well.
