Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Receiving unexpected international calls can be a source of anxiety for many individuals. Whether it’s a single ring from an unknown number or multiple missed calls from abroad, the uncertainty can make you wonder about the implications for your privacy and security.
Kathy S. recently addressed a concern many of us can relate to: “I received calls from Beijing and Russia on my cell phone. I didn’t answer them. Can you tell me why this is happening? Is my phone at risk?”
If you’ve experienced similar calls, you’re not alone. Let’s investigate this problem and find out what is really going on.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT ADVICE, SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT
A man receives an international call on his cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
International call fraud on the rise
International calling scams have become more common in recent years. One particularly widespread scam is known as “Wangiri”, which originates from Japan and means “one ring and a cut”. These scammers usually let your phone ring once or twice before hanging up, hoping to pique your curiosity and encourage you to call back.
A woman receives an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM MALWARE
Why are you receiving these international scam calls?
There are several reasons why you may be receiving calls from unknown international numbers.
Another scam: Scammers use automated systems to call thousands of numbers, disconnecting after one ring. If you return the call, you could be connected to a premium rate number, incurring significant costs.
Telemarketing and robocalls: Some companies use international numbers to circumvent local regulations and reach a wider audience.
number spoofing: Scammers can make their calls appear to be from different countries, tricking you into answering.
A woman receives an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Is your phone at risk?
While receiving unexpected international calls doesn’t necessarily put your phone in immediate danger, there are a few potential dangers to be aware of. The primary risk lies in possible financial losses if you engage with these scammers. If you return the call, you may be connected to a premium rate service number owned by a scammer. These calls may also charge you a lot, with the scammer aiming to keep you on the line to increase the amount charged.
Although Wangiri scams are less common, there is always a risk of personal information being stolen if you get in touch with unknown callers. Sharing sensitive information such as bank account numbers or social security numbers can lead to identity theft.
Answering or returning these calls can signal to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more scam calls in the future. Although not usually associated with Wangiri scams, some sophisticated phone scams can potentially install malware on your device if you click on certain links, queries or follow the instructions provided by the scammer.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your personal information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
A woman receives an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to protect yourself
While these international calls can be a concern, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are six effective strategies to protect yourself from potential scams and unwanted calls.
1) Do not answer or call: If you receive a call from an unknown international number, resist the urge to answer or return the call.
2) Block suspicious numbers: Use your phone’s built-in features to block these numbers and prevent future calls.
3) Report calls: Notify your carrier and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of these suspicious calls.
4) Use call blocking apps: Consider installing call blocking apps to identify and block unwanted calls.
5) Be careful with personal data: Never share sensitive information over the phone, especially with unknown callers.
6) Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using services that remove your personal information from the Internet, thereby reducing the chances of fraudsters getting hold of your information. While no service promises to remove all of your data from the Internet, a removal service is great if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your data from hundreds of sites continuously over a long period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOSIGNS USING APPLICATIONS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES
Kurt’s outdoor essentials
While unexpected international calls can be alarming, understanding the nature of these scams allows you to protect yourself. By being informed and following the above preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these scams. Remember, your best defense is a combination of caution, awareness, and proactive steps to protect your personal information.
Are phone companies doing enough to protect customers from international scam calls? Let us know what you think by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter by going to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or tell us what stories you want us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most frequently asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
