You answer the phone and there is silence? Experts warn against fraud

More and more people answer the phone and then hear only silence on the other end. Although many people consider such situations to be a mistake or a technical problem, experts warn that it may be part of organized criminal activity.

So-called silent phone calls, also known as “Silent Calls”, appear on both mobile and landline phones. In recent months, the number of reports regarding this phenomenon has increased significantly.

Silent telephone calls. How does this mechanism work?

There is usually no human behind this type of call, but special software called an autodialer. The system automatically dials thousands of phone numbers, trying to determine which ones are active and actually in use.

The mechanism is simple. If the subscriber answers the call, the system marks the number as active. If the phone is not answered or the number turns out to be inactive, it is removed from the database. Even answering the call briefly is enough to confirm that the number is in use.

Why are active numbers so valuable?

Verified phone numbers are a valuable commodity for cybercriminals. They can be used in attempts to extort data or money. The threats include, among others, fake telephone calls made by people impersonating bank employees, police officers or representatives of offices.

Confirmed numbers can also be used to send fraudulent SMS messages containing fake links. Criminals also use them in extortion attempts based on strong emotions, the aim of which is to persuade the victim to quickly hand over money or data.

How to respond to suspicious calls?

Experts recommend that, if possible, you should not answer calls from unknown numbers. If there is silence on the other end when you answer the phone, it is best to end the conversation immediately.

It is also worth avoiding saying any words. Some systems can record voice samples, which can later be used in subsequent fraudsters’ activities.

You should also not call back to unknown numbers. In some cases, they may lead to calls with increased charges, generating additional costs for the user.

Caution remains paramount

Specialists emphasize that silent telephone calls are not just a nuisance. They may be the first stage of a more extensive fraud scheme.

Therefore, it is worth being careful, not sharing personal data over the phone and informing loved ones about such threats. It is particularly important to draw the attention of older people, who often become targets of similar fraud attempts. The more people recognize this mechanism, the more difficult it is for criminals to achieve their intended goal.