The bell rings and then silence. How to respond to such phone calls?
A silent phone call is not an accident, but a deliberate action. Scammers count on a normal, human reaction of curiosity and then attack.
Scammers are very creative. Any new technology is quickly used by them for evil purposes. In addition, they know the human psyche well and use this knowledge. In such circumstances, it is difficult not to fall into the trap.
The first step to avoiding misfortune is to realize that technology is not governed by chance. The second step is to keep your cool.
Who makes silent calls? Registration in the database
A silent call is not a trivial matter or a technical failure, but the beginning of a sophisticated fraud, which is one of the new methods used by criminals.
There is no human behind these connections, but automated software, the so-called auto dialer. The algorithm consistently and systematically dials thousands of phone numbers completely randomly and around the clock. The sole purpose of this action is to check whether the number is actually active.
If the call is answered, the system will register the number as assigned and active. In this way, a database of verified telephone numbers is created in a very short time, which can be easily sold – for example on the darknet.
What to do with a silent call? Simple advice is best
A database of active telephone numbers is a great start to a whole series of telephone frauds – criminals call or send text messages impersonating bank employees, policemen, officials or family. Their goal is to extort personal data, online banking login details, one-time passwords or to persuade people to transfer money.
Worse still, the phone displays the official bank or police number, but it’s actually a fraudster calling.
The most important and extremely effective advice is simple: if possible, do not answer calls from unknown numbers. However, if you receive a silent call, hang up immediately. Every second spent on the line provides the system with valuable information.
You should also avoid speaking into the handset as there are already systems that record voice samples. They can be used for further crimes. You should also under no circumstances call back unknown numbers as some of them are intentionally expensive. It’s best to just block them and be vigilant, because scammers will soon attack.
