5 Risks Associated with Picking Up Unknown Numbers

Picking up unknown numbers can be a risky proposition. You never know who you may be dealing with on the other end. It could be a telemarketer, a scam artist, an unknown person with malicious intent, or even a robot trying to access your personal information. Taking the time to research any unknown numbers before responding can help you protect yourself and your personal information. Knowing the potential risks associated with answering unknown calls can help you make an informed decision.

What are the risks?

1. Unsolicited Callers. Picking up unknown numbers may mean you are opening yourself up to calls from scammers or telemarketers that you didn't intend to receive.

2. Privacy. Picking up unknown numbers may mean you are giving someone access to your personal information without knowing who they are. Additionally, picking up calls from unknown numbers can be risky for your privacy because you may be unknowingly giving away personal information to a stranger. In some cases, scammers may call from unknown numbers and try to get you to provide sensitive information such as bank details, credit card numbers, or passwords. They may also try to get you to download malicious software that can give them access to your personal data. Additionally, if you answer a call from an unknown number, you may be revealing your phone number to the caller, which could lead to further calls or even identity theft.

3. Unwanted Charges. Picking up unknown numbers could mean you are vulnerable to fees or charges that you don't agree to or want to pay. There is also a form of scam that targets consumers who would answer a callback a missed phone call and end up making a costly international call by mistake. Even the Federal Communications Commission has issued a warning about this fraud, advising people not to take or return calls from numbers they do not know.

4. Spam. Picking up unknown numbers may mean you are exposed to unwanted emails, text messages, or other forms of communication from unknown people. Even if you're well-versed in scammers and won't be taken in, there's another reason to shun unknown calls. A robocall (one phoned automatically by a machine rather than a human) is sometimes used to validate if a phone number is in use. By picking up, you acknowledge that your phone number is valid. In principle, this means you'll be receiving more scammers and spam calls.

5. Viruses/Malware. Picking up unknown numbers may mean you are vulnerable to downloading malicious software unknowingly. To explain it further, picking up calls from unknown numbers may result in viruses or malware because scammers and hackers often use this tactic to gain access to your device. They may pretend to be a legitimate person or company in order to obtain personal information or access to your device. Once they have access, they may be able to install malicious software, or viruses, that can put your device and personal data at risk. It is best to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers or to use caution if you decide to answer. It is also wise to use security software to protect your device and to be aware of the warning signs of a malicious call.

The question is, should you answer that unknown call?

The answer is NO.

Unknown calls are not innocuous. To begin with, there are numerous calls about hawking fraud. The most effective strategy to avoid being scammed over the phone is to ignore those calls.

Unsolicited callers can be a real risk when answering calls from unknown numbers. Unfortunately, scammers and fraudsters use this tactic to try and gain access to personal information or ask for money. It is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with answering calls from unknown numbers and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

One way to protect yourself is to verify the caller's identity. Ask the caller who they are and why they are calling before giving out any personal information. If they are not able to provide a satisfactory answer, hang up and block the number. It is also helpful to research the phone number online to see if others have reported scams or fraud associated with it. 

You may also track the number's location. Tracking the location of unknown numbers is important because it can help to identify the caller and determine their purpose for calling. This can be helpful in avoiding unwanted or suspicious calls. Additionally, it can help to identify whether the caller is located in a different geographic region, which can be useful in identifying potential scams or fraud. Knowing the caller's location can also help to identify the person behind the call, which can be helpful in many circumstances.

Another way to protect yourself is to not respond to any requests to send money or give out personal information. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to send money or provide personal details over the phone. If the caller is asking for money or personal information, it is likely a scam and you should hang up immediately. 

When you receive an unfamiliar call, simply keep silent for a few minutes. Most robocalls do not "talk" right away once you pick up the phone. Some of them play music while you're on hold. Simply hang up. Be wary of a scam that attempts to capture you uttering the word "yes" by asking, "Can you hear me?" Their goal is to utilize your voice confirmation for illegal purposes.

Finally, never answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. Not only is this a risk for scams and fraud, but it can also be a waste of your valuable time. If you are concerned about missing a call from someone important, you can always call them back using a separate phone line.

By being aware of the risks associated with answering calls from unknown numbers and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure your safety and security.