What to do if you answer an unwanted call and are a victim of a scam without realizing it

What to do if you answer an unwanted call and are a victim of a scam without realizing it

In recent years, receiving unwanted calls from unknown numbers has become an increasingly common problem. Not only are these calls annoying, but they can also pose a real danger if you fall prey to the scammers lurking behind them.

Cybercriminals who make these types of calls have a clear goal: to trick you into providing them with personal information, such as your banking or identity details, which they will then use to commit fraud or identity theft.

The danger lies in the scammers' ability to manipulate and persuade their victims. They use well-thought-out psychological tactics to gain your trust, making you believe you're speaking to a legitimate entity, such as your bank or a utility company.

Without realizing it, you could end up providing information that would allow them to access your accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even impersonate you. If you respond to one of these calls and realize you've been a victim, it's essential to act quickly.

- What to do if you are a victim of a scam?

- Hang up immediately  : Do not continue talking to the scammer, as they may try to get more information from you or pressure you to take actions that will harm you.

Block a phone number  : Avoid receiving further calls from this number. Most mobile phones allow you to block specific numbers.

- Report the situation  : Contact the relevant authorities, such as the police, to report the scam. This will help prevent others from falling into the trap and allow action to be taken against the scammers.

- Contact your bank immediately  : If you provided banking details, inform your bank immediately so they can take the necessary steps to protect your account, such as blocking cards or monitoring suspicious transactions.

- Browsing the internet : Search the internet for your name and other personal information to ensure it isn't being used fraudulently. If you find anything suspicious, report it to the authorities.

- Check your accounts and statements : Pay attention to any unusual activity on your bank accounts or credit cards. If you discover unauthorized charges, notify your bank immediately.

- Change your passwords : If you have provided passwords or information that could lead to your online accounts being compromised, change them as soon as possible.

To protect yourself and avoid falling victim to spam calls, it's essential to follow some basic recommendations that will help you keep your data safe and reduce the risk of falling victim to a phone scam.

Always be wary of unknown numbers, especially if you are not expecting any calls; don't feel obligated to answer, because if the call is important, the person or entity will almost certainly leave a message or try to contact you by other means.

When responding, never share your personal information. Legitimate entities will never ask for sensitive data such as account numbers, passwords, or personal information. If someone asks for this information, hang up immediately.

Additionally, using spam-blocking apps or features on your mobile phone can be very useful. These tools identify and block incoming calls from suspicious numbers, thereby reducing the number of unwanted calls.