Voicemail Scam Alert: What You Should Know

It starts in a subtle way. Your phone rings, or rather, it doesn’t ring. You see a voicemail notification, but when you check, there’s no audio. This cycle repeats, and soon, your voicemail inbox feels like it’s being bombarded.

This is the experience of Mike from Westport, Connecticut, who reached out to share his frustration:

“I’m quite upset. I receive a voicemail every 20 to 30 minutes, yet my phone never actually rings. After blocking a number, it just switches to another one. When I try to listen to the message, there’s no sound. Is this some kind of scammer trying to get me to call back? I’m at a loss. How do I stop this? I’d really appreciate any advice.”

What Mike describes is becoming increasingly common. While it may appear coincidental, there’s a distinct pattern to this voicemail scam, and knowing a bit about it could help you protect yourself.

Understanding Silent Voicemail Fraud

This phenomenon is often referred to as silent voicemail fraud. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Scammers send voicemails directly to your inbox.
• Your phone doesn’t ring, which creates a sense of urgency.
• The messages are typically silent, distorted, or very brief.
• Caller ID info is frequently changed to avoid being blocked.

Initially, it feels like a phone malfunction, but the confusion is actually intentional.

What’s Happening Behind the Scenes

This strategy usually indicates an automated robocall system utilizing caller ID spoofing instead of a person making the calls. Here’s what typically occurs:

• An automatic dialing system repeatedly calls your number.
• Blocking one number doesn’t help, as the scamming system constantly changes caller IDs.
• Some calls might connect momentarily and then drop, resulting in silent voicemails.
• Occasionally, they “ping” your number to verify its validity.

When your number is confirmed as active, it becomes part of a larger spam network.

Reasons for Leaving Blank Voicemails

It might seem pointless, but there’s a method behind the madness:

1) To Encourage Callbacks

Curiosity can drive people to call back, and when they do, they could:

• Reach a premium-rate number that charges per minute.
• Be connected to a fraudulent call center.
• Verify that their number is actively monitored.

2) Testing Your Number

Even if you don’t return the call, the silence verifies that your number is legit, thus boosting its value in future scams.

3) Avoiding Spam Filters

The lack of ringing allows traditional spam filters to miss these calls, letting more messages get through.

Why Numbers Keep Changing

If you block one number, you’ll quickly find another pops up. This indicates caller ID spoofing and number rotation. Scammers utilize software to alter displayed numbers, often using sequences that evade blocks. These can be:

• Completely fake.
• Temporary or reassigned numbers.
• Numbers of genuine individuals whose information has been misappropriated.

Blocking one number provides some relief, but it usually doesn’t stop ongoing campaigns.

Your Phone Probably Isn’t Hacked

Many people fear that their phones might be hacked when encountering these silent voicemails. However, more often than not, they are merely part of a robocall scam campaign, not a sign of a breach. The real risk lies in engaging with these messages; returning calls or interacting with prompts can confirm your number’s validity, opening doors to further scams. The FTC advises hanging up, deleting suspicious voicemails, and never returning calls to unknown numbers.

How to Stop Silent Voicemail Scams

While it might feel overwhelming, there are measures you can take to curb these nuisance messages:

1) Avoid Returning Calls to Unknown Numbers

Even if it seems harmless, skip it. If it’s important, a legitimate caller will leave a proper message.

2) Activate Spam Call Filtering

For both iPhone and Android devices, turn on built-in call filtering options to silence calls from unknown numbers.

iPhone Settings

Option 1: Silence Unknown Callers

• Navigate to Settings
• Tap Phone
• Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers

This will send calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail.

Option 2: Using Call Screening

• Go to Settings
• Tap Phone
• Select Screen Unknown Callers and choose Ask Why You’re Calling

This prompts unknown callers to state their intentions before the phone rings, filtering spam.

For Samsung Users

Option 1: Enable Spam Protection

• Open the Phone App
• Tap the three-dot menu in the top right
• Select Settings, then Caller ID and Spam Protection
• Turn it on

This flags suspicious calls before you answer.

3) Consider Using a Call Blocking App

These apps can quickly identify patterns and prevent repeat calls much faster than manual measures. They often block known fraudulent numbers automatically.

4) Contact Your Carrier

Many service providers have options for network-level spam blocking. Inquire about features specific to blocking silent voicemails and robocalls.

5) Utilize Data Deletion Services

If spam is rampant, your number may be listed on marketing databases. Various services can help you scan and remove your information from these lists, limiting further targeting.

6) Report Unwanted Calls

You can file complaints about unsolicited calls with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-Help (1-877-382-4357). These reports aid in tracking large-scale fraud operations.

7) Keep Your Number Private

The less publicly available your phone number is, the harder it is for scammers to reach you.

8) Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

This step might help reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, but scammers often disregard it and can circumvent it using techniques like spoofing.

Key Takeaways

In summary, silent voicemails aim to stir confusion and elicit responses, relying on curiosity rather than sophisticated hacking methods. The best response is to disengage. By doing so, you signal that your number isn’t worth the effort.