Deceptive telephone conduct!
In the digital age, phone scams have become a growing concern for many individuals. Unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from foreign locations like Brussels, can potentially be scams originating from the USA [1]. To protect yourself from such deceptive practices, here are some proactive steps you should consider:
1. **Avoid answering or interacting with unknown calls** Do not pick up calls from unknown numbers, and if you do, avoid saying “yes” or any confirmation that scammers can use to clone your voice or verify your number for future scams [1].
2. **Utilise built-in phone and carrier blocking features** On iPhones, enable the *Silence Unknown Callers* feature, which automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them to voicemail without ringing [5]. Android users can block suspicious numbers directly from their recent calls list or dialer app [1][5]. Many cellular carriers also provide spam and robocall blocking and filtering services—check with yours to ensure you have these protections activated [1].
3. **Install third-party spam and scam call blocker apps** Apps like *SpamSafe* provide advanced scam detection, real-time caller ID, call filtering, spoofing protection, and SMS filtering to shield you from various types of scam calls and messages [3].
4. **Do not return calls or respond to messages from unknown or suspicious numbers** Returning calls or responding to voicemails from fake numbers can confirm to scammers that your number is active, increasing the risk of future scams [1].
If you become a victim of such a phone scam, it's crucial to take immediate action:
1. **Stop all communication immediately** with the scammer. Do not provide any further personal or financial information.
2. **Report the incident** - File a complaint with your national consumer protection agency or telecommunications regulator. - Report the scam to your phone carrier, who may be able to help block the scammer or trace the source. - If you provided financial information or suffered monetary loss, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze accounts or prevent further fraud.
3. **Monitor your accounts and credit reports** for any suspicious activity.
4. **Educate yourself on common scam tactics** to avoid falling victim again. Always verify caller identities carefully, especially unusual or unexpected calls supposedly coming from foreign locations like Brussels, where scammers often pose as government officials, companies, or banks.
By following these steps and leveraging your phone's security features along with dedicated apps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to phone scams and protect your personal information [1][3][5]. It's essential to remember that if a call feels suspicious, it is best to hang up [2]. The Consumer Protection Agency of North Rhine-Westphalia has also warned against such calls [4]. As of now, the government has not yet taken action on this matter [6].
Stay safe and vigilant!
Sources: [1] https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Telefon-Scam-Schutzmaßnahmen-gegen-Scam-Calls-4709617.html [2] https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Telefon-Scam-Was-tun-wenn-eine-Scam-Call-kommt-4709617.html [3] https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Telefon-Scam-Apps-gegen-Scam-Calls-4709617.html [4] https://www.verbraucherzentrale-nrw.de/scam-calls-warnung-bei-telefon-scams-4709617 [5] https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207372 [6] https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Telefon-Scam-Regierung-soll-Schutzmaßnahmen-für-Telefonverträge-einführen-4709617.html
- Given the increasing concerns about general-news like phone scams, it's imperative to employ technology such as built-in phone features and third-party apps to shield yourself from crime-and-justice activities like scam calls.
- When educating oneself about common scam tactics, one should be vigilant and remember that calls from foreign locations, such as Brussels, may potentially be scams originating from the USA, requiring immediate proactive steps to protect one's personal and financial information.
