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https://www.identityguard.com/news/what-happens-if-you-answer-a-spam-call#:~:text=If%20you%20think%20scammers%20are,to%20respond%20to%20their%20ploys.
What To Do If You Answer a Spam Call
Even if you’re being extra diligent, mistakes happen. Here’s what to do if you unintentionally answer a spam call:
- Hang up right away. If you think scammers are targeting you, hang up before they can record your voice or get any information. As a best practice, don’t answer unknown numbers.
- Don’t respond — even by pressing a number or saying “yes.” Abiding by these simple commands shows spammers that you’re more likely to respond to their ploys. They’ll continue pestering you in hopes that one day you’ll fall for their hoax.
- Never give out personal information. Refrain from sharing any data. Even telling a scammer where you live or disclosing your email address can help them find other pieces of your identity on social media or from lists on the Dark Web.
- Ask for a reference number and tell them you’ll call them back. Jot the number down so you can add it to your FTC case file. Noting the original number from which the scammers called you, and any other numbers that they give you, can help the FTC track them down.
- Report the call to the FTC. The FTC encourages anyone who has been the subject of a spam or robocall to report it online or call 1-877-382-4357. Be ready to provide timing, context, and phone number details.
- Block the number. Once scammers get a hold of you, they’ll continue calling. Blocking their numbers helps avoid scenarios in which you accidentally answer again.
- Monitor your credit and identity for signs of fraud. A scam call can be a gateway to identity theft. If you’re being targeted by scam calls, you should consider protecting your identity and finances with identity theft protection and credit monitoring.
Related: Are You Following These Social Media Security Best Practices? →
Should You Call Back a Spam Number?
Never. In many cases, these calls are “one-ring” scams designed to charge you sky-high fees or get you on the phone with a fraudster.
Even if you aren’t sure if the call was spam, it’s best to leave it alone and block the number. To confirm you’re dealing with a scammer, avoid using “scammer phone number lookup” services, and instead just search for the phone number via Google. You should get the answer you need without clicking on links to any sites.
Related: What To Do If You're Getting Spam Calls From Your Contacts →
Did You Accidentally Give a Phone Scammer Information? Do This
If you’ve given a phone scammer your sensitive information, responded to a robocall, or sent money or gift cards, you need to act quickly to protect your accounts and finances.
Here’s what to do:
- Secure your online accounts. Update your passwords to ensure each one is strong, complex, and unique. Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance your cybersecurity.
- Freeze your credit. Call or go online to request a freeze at all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name.
- Try to get your money back. Work with your bank, credit card issuer, or Identity Guard’s Fraud Resolution Specialists to understand and execute the necessary steps for recovering your losses.
- Report the fraud to the FTC and any impacted companies. Report your case to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and explain what happened to any bank or organization involved. The more detailed information you can provide, the higher the chances are of retrieving your money.
- Sign up for identity theft protection. It’s tough for anyone to track every single one of their accounts and make sure their personal information is safeguarded. Identity Guard does the work for you with award-winning identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and $1 million coverage for eligible losses due to identity theft.
