If you’re like me and refuse to let go of your home landline, it’s probably not uncommon to encounter strange calls. Landlines are more susceptible to spam calls than mobile phones, so they offer better call blocking options.
If you’re used to receiving the occasional spam call on your landline, you probably already have systems in place to deal with it. You’ll probably hang up as soon as you see a number you don’t recognize (or maybe you’ve noticed the number at this point because it’s calling you so often!). Or maybe even pick up the line and tell them some of your thoughts. But is this the right thing to do?
What happens when your landline rings and a list of caller IDs appears? your number? Strange, right? This happened to one of the girlfriends of Cyber Guy Report subscribers who contacted us about this. As crazy as it may sound, this person said the scammers obtained his home phone number and used it to call the same number they were spoofing. This is obviously a little more concerning than regular scammers.
Maybe you’re answering the phone and looking out for spammers. But is this the right thing to do? (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
If the scammer appears to be calling from your phone number
Now, if the scammer listed on your caller ID appears to be calling from your landline number, you should take the steps above in addition to the three steps below. .
1) Alert your phone provider. If your number has been spoofed, contact your phone company as soon as possible. They may be able to advise you on the best way to proceed depending on your situation.
2) Capture personal information offline. There are several ways that phone spoofers can hijack your phone number, but the most likely way is that they can easily find your personal information online. It can be used to find out where your personal information lurks online and retrieve it offline, away from scammers who try to steal your information and misuse it for identity theft and other purposes. There are some tools.
No service promises to remove all data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing information from hundreds of sites over an extended period of time, a removal service is a good option. is the best. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
3) Change the number. If all else fails and your phone company really can’t help you, we recommend changing your home phone number permanently. You may not want to do this, but it may be your only solution, especially if the scammer keeps calling you with the same number or your friends and family are also receiving the same calls. There is a gender.
Engaging with unknown callers can expose you to scams and other forms of fraud. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to stop phone number spoofing and protect yourself from scammers
3 reasons not to get involved with scammers who call you
Let’s now shift our focus to why it’s best not to engage with scammers who call you, whether they’re using your own phone number or someone else’s. Here’s why:
1) Safety: Engaging with unknown callers may expose you to scams and other forms of fraud.
2) Privacy: Even if you’re being hard on them, they may be collecting information about you in the meantime. And now, with AI voice fraud, fraudsters can clone your voice and use it for other types of fraud.
3) Encouragement: Answering these calls, even if negative, tells the caller that your number is active and may lead to more calls.
Are the annoying robocalls over? FTC cracks down on fraudulent activity
Ask yourself one simple question. “Is this what I asked for?” If the answer is no, hang up. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Stopping scam calls: 4 ways to protect yourself
Of course, no one wants to keep receiving scam calls. Therefore, there are some recommended steps you can take instead.
1) Let your answering machine answer or switch to voicemail. This allows you to screen calls without directly engaging potential scammers. You can avoid direct interaction with them and listen to their messages at your convenience to determine if they are legitimate.
2) Block the number: If you notice that a particular number is calling you repeatedly, you can block that number. Check out our best incoming call blocking devices. These are particularly useful for blocking robocalls, but also for blocking individual scammers.
- Use star code. Many landlines allow you to block calls using star codes. For example, you can block a specific number by dialing *60.
- call blocking device: You can connect your device to your landline and block unwanted calls. These devices may be pre-loaded with known spam numbers, and you can add numbers manually. Click here to check out our favorite call blocking devices for landlines..
- Service provider characteristics: To inquire about call blocking features offered by your landline service provider, please contact your landline service provider. Some providers offer services to help manage spam calls.
3) Report the call: If you’re in the US, you can. Report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
4) Add yourself to the Do Not Call list. phone number National phone ban registrywhich helps stop some of the scams and telemarketing calls you receive.
Please note that although these methods can significantly reduce unwanted calls, they may not completely block all spam calls. Always use caution and avoid sharing personal information over the phone with unknown callers. My rule of thumb is that he should ask himself one simple question: “Is this call what I asked for?” If the answer is no, hang up.
How to avoid being fooled by robocalls now and in the future
Cart important points
It’s no fun when you get a spam call on your landline, but it’s even more so when the call comes from your own number. Remember that it is important to protect your personal information and privacy and always use caution when dealing with unknown callers. Using the techniques above will not only help you use best practices when dealing with scammers, but will also help protect yourself from future scammers in the long term.
How do you think phone companies should deal with fraudulent calls and caller ID spoofing? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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