If you are repeatedly receiving such calls on your mobile phone, in which there is no sound as soon as you pick up the phone and the call gets disconnected after a few seconds, then taking it lightly can prove to be dangerous. Such calls are usually called Silent Calls. According to cyber security experts, these calls are not only a nuisance but can also be a part of fraud and cyber crime.
What are Silent Calls?
Silent Calls are those calls in which there is no response when receiving the call. Sometimes the call gets disconnected automatically within a few seconds, while sometimes there remains silence for a long time. Often these calls come from unknown or international numbers, due to which people get confused as to why the call was made.
Why are silent calls made?
According to experts, there can be many reasons behind silent calls. Many times scammers use these calls to check whether a number is active or not. As soon as the call is received, information is recorded in their system that the number is in use. After this, the same number can be used for calls related to telemarketing, fake loan, KYC update or banking fraud.
In some cases, this may also be the first step in fraud related to call recording or call forwarding. Cyber criminals first understand the user’s reaction and then take the next step.
What harm can be caused by silent calls?
If you repeatedly pick up or return silent calls, your number may be included in a fraud network. This not only increases unwanted calls, but there is also a risk of financial loss. Some international calls may also incur heavy call back charges. Additionally, there is a risk of your personal information falling into the wrong hands.
How to avoid silent calls?
Cyber experts advise to ignore silent calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Never call back such numbers. Use the call blocking feature present in the mobile and if needed, take help of apps like Truecaller.
Do Not Disturb (DND) service available by the government can also be activated, which reduces the number of promotional calls. If you are continuously being harassed from a particular number, then a complaint can be lodged with your telecom operator or cyber crime portal.
Vigilance is the best protection
In the rapidly growing digital era, a little carelessness can cause big harm. It is important to be cautious instead of taking Silent Calls lightly. You can protect yourself from cyber fraud by staying away from unknown calls and adopting proper security measures.
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