How to check if a scammer is calling you?
You might want to understand who is contacting you and how to stop phone scammers if you are the victim of constant spam calls. Although phone number lookup services are often used, they are not your only or best choice. In this article, we’ll discuss why you shouldn’t use phone number lookup websites, how to spot a scammer when they call, and what to do if you unintentionally answer or expose personal information to a spammer. Also check how to check if a phone number is fraudulent
How scammers hide themselves
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology is a tool used by scammers to make caller ID appear to be from local area codes or reputable companies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You won’t successfully locate hidden or spoofing numbers with a reverse phone lookup service.
Can phone number lookup services assist you?
Reverse phone search services aim to provide you with comprehensive information on the phone numbers that call you. However, the fact is that these websites are rarely the best choice for blocking spam and scam calls, even while they utilize public information to establish a fundamental background investigation on the phone number, including the owner’s name, address, and even criminal history. It’s not always the case, despite the claims of many providers, that they provide free reverse phone number lookups. To figure out who called you, you frequently must spend money on a complete report.
How to realize that a call might be from a scammer?
1. Look for indications that the number might be fraudulent
- Any foreign caller should be avoided, especially if the area code appears to be local but is international.
- It may be a scam if the number is local, foreign, or otherwise doubtful yet your caller ID shows the name of a major corporation or banking company.
- In cases where an incoming phone number is unregistered or appears in a database containing suspected scam phone numbers, phone carriers usually attach tags such as “Marked as spam” or “Likely scam”.
2. Check whether there is a social media account associated with the phone number
To determine whether a personal phone number belongs to a friend or someone you know, try looking it up on social media. You may search by phone number on a variety of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
3. Use the anti-spam applications provided by your service provider
The majority of mobile phone providers give a free application that adds more spam-blocking functionality to smartphones. The caller ID name will display a label such as “Spam Likely” or “Potential Spam” if the phone number of an incoming caller is included in an inventory that contains recognized scam numbers.
Conclusion
Scammers using phone calls are becoming more creative in their targeting of victims. Even while it could be easy to pick up the phone and tell the spammer to quit contacting you, it’s always preferable to stay safe rather than cooperate with scammers.