Instead, try contacting the person you believe might be involved using a number you already know.
Check your messages.
Check voicemail.
Ask another family member.
If there’s a genuine emergency, there will usually be another way to verify it.
Don’t let fear force you into making an unexplained international call.
A Strange Call Doesn’t Mean Your Phone Has Been Hacked
Another important point is that receiving a suspicious call doesn’t automatically mean your phone has been hacked.
Simply seeing an unknown number on your screen does not mean someone has taken control of your device.
The situation becomes more concerning when you engage with suspicious callers, click unknown links, provide personal information, install unfamiliar applications, or disclose passwords or verification codes.
So if you see a strange missed call, don’t panic.
Don’t start deleting everything on your phone.
Just don’t call the number back unless you know who it belongs to.
What Should You Do Instead?
If your phone rings once in the middle of the night and you don’t recognize the number, take a breath.
Don’t immediately call back.
Check the number.
Look for a voicemail.
Look at any accompanying text message.
If there is no explanation, simply leave it alone.
If the same number repeatedly calls, you can block it.
If the calls appear suspicious or persistent, report them through your mobile provider or the appropriate consumer-protection channel.
And if you accidentally called back, don’t panic.
Check your phone bill and contact your carrier if you notice anything unusual.
Protect Older Family Members
One of the most useful things you can do is warn older relatives.
People who are less familiar with modern phone scams may be particularly vulnerable to calls that create fear or urgency.
Tell parents, grandparents, and other family members:
An unfamiliar missed call doesn’t automatically require a callback.
Especially if it comes at an unusual hour.
Especially if it rings only once.
Especially if the number appears to come from another country.
A few seconds of caution can prevent a much bigger problem.
The Call That Never Came Back
Imagine waking up the next morning.
Continue reading on the next page
