Avoid calls from an unknown person

Understanding the risks of answering unknown calls

Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it can pose serious risks to your privacy, finances, and digital security. Scammers often use unregistered or spoofed numbers to trick individuals into answering calls under false pretences. By engaging with such callers, you may unknowingly share personal or financial information or be lured into clicking malicious links sent via follow-up messages.

One significant risk includes social engineering, where fraudsters impersonate officials, bank representatives, or even family members to extract sensitive data. In some cases, just staying on the call for a few seconds can confirm that your number is active, making you a target for future scams or spam campaigns. Additionally, answering international numbers may incur unexpected charges.

To protect yourself, it is strongly advised not to answer unknown numbers unless you can verify the caller’s identity through a trusted source. Caution and awareness are key to avoiding potential fraud.

Common scams associated with unknown numbers

• Impersonation scamsFraudsters pose as government officers, bank employees, or customer care executives to steal personal or financial information.
• Missed call scamsVictims receive missed calls from international or premium-rate numbers. Calling back leads to excessive call charges and potential information theft.
• Lottery or prize scamsCallers claim the victim has won a prize or lottery and request bank details or fees to release the winnings.
• Loan and investment fraudsScammers offer fake loans or investment opportunities over the phone, requesting advance payments or personal data.
• Tech support scamsIndividuals receive calls from fake technical support teams claiming issues with devices or accounts, asking for remote access or payment.
• Voice phishing (vishing)This method involves asking the victim to confirm personal details under the guise of verification, which are later used for fraud.
• Family member emergency scamsScammers impersonate a relative in distress, asking for urgent money transfers or sensitive information.

Avoiding calls from unverified numbers is a critical first step in protecting yourself from these types of scams.

How voice cloning technology amplifies scam risks

Voice cloning technology uses artificial intelligence to replicate a person’s voice with remarkable accuracy. While it has legitimate applications in fields like entertainment and customer service, it has also become a powerful tool for cybercriminals. When used maliciously, voice cloning poses a significant threat in phone-based scams, particularly when the victim recognises the cloned voice as that of a loved one, colleague, or official authority figure.

Scammers often begin by collecting voice samples through brief conversations, social media audio, or voicemail recordings. These samples are then processed using AI software to generate convincing voice replicas. The cloned voice can be used to make distress calls, authorise financial transactions, or request sensitive information—making the scam seem entirely believable.

The emotional impact of hearing a trusted voice adds urgency and reduces the likelihood of the victim questioning the call’s authenticity. As a result, individuals may bypass normal verification steps, leading to financial loss or data breaches.

To mitigate this risk, it is important to always verify suspicious requests through a secondary channel, such as a direct call or in-person check, especially when money or personal information is involved. Awareness is your best defence against voice-based deception.

Steps to protect yourself from unknown call scams

To minimise your risk of falling victim to scams involving calls from unknown numbers, it is essential to take a proactive and informed approach. The following steps offer practical ways to protect yourself:

• Avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbersLet unfamiliar calls go to voicemail. If it is important, the caller will usually leave a message or follow up through another verified method.
• Do not share personal or financial informationNever reveal sensitive data such as OTPs, bank account numbers, Aadhaar details, or passwords during unsolicited calls.
• Install a trusted caller ID appUse mobile applications that identify or block spam and scam calls. These apps often flag known scam numbers in real time.
• Activate call blocking featuresMost smartphones and mobile service providers offer built-in features to block unknown or unwanted numbers.
• Be cautious of urgency or emotional manipulationScammers often pressure victims by creating fake emergencies or using emotional tactics. Always verify such claims independently.
• Avoid calling back international or unfamiliar missed callsThese may be part of missed call scams that result in high call charges or exposure to fraud.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on accountsAdding 2FA provides an extra layer of security in case personal information is compromised through phone scams.
• Educate family members, especially seniorsOlder adults are frequent targets. Raise awareness about common call-based scams and encourage scepticism towards unknown callers.
• Regularly update device softwareKeeping your phone’s software up to date helps protect against the latest security vulnerabilities exploited by scam callers.

What to do if you have answered a suspicious call?

If you have accidentally answered a suspicious call, it is important to remain calm and take immediate steps to protect your personal and financial information. The first and most crucial action is to avoid engaging with the caller. Do not confirm any personal details, share OTPs, or respond to requests for banking information. If you suspect the caller is attempting to impersonate someone you know, hang up and contact the real person directly through a verified number.

After ending the call, make a note of the number, the time of the call, and the nature of the conversation. If you have shared any sensitive information, inform your bank or service provider immediately and request them to block or monitor your accounts. This includes freezing credit or debit cards, resetting online banking passwords, and enabling transaction alerts for added security.

Next, report the incident to your mobile operator and request the suspicious number be flagged or blocked from their end. It is also recommended to file a complaint through national cybercrime or telecom portals, which monitor scam call activities.

Finally, run a security scan on your phone using trusted antivirus software, especially if you clicked on any links or shared personal details. Stay vigilant for future phishing attempts or unusual account activity.

Reporting mechanisms for unwanted or scam calls

To combat the rise in fraudulent calls, several official channels are available for reporting unwanted or scam calls. Use the following mechanisms to report and prevent further misuse:

• National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalVisit https://cybercrime.gov.in to report scams, phishing attempts, or voice fraud. Choose the appropriate complaint category and submit relevant call details and evidence.
• TRAI’s DND (Do Not Disturb) serviceSend an SMS to 1909 to activate DND services on your mobile number. This reduces promotional and scam calls from telemarketers.
• Report through telecom operator appsMost major providers (like Jio, Airtel, and VI) offer in-app complaint sections to report spam or fraudulent calls directly.
• Use spam reporting features in caller ID appsApps such as Truecaller and Hiya allow users to label scam numbers, contributing to wider awareness and automatic call filtering.
• Inform your bank or financial institutionIf the scam call involved impersonation of bank officials, notify your bank’s fraud department. They may initiate preventive measures on your account.
• Police or local cyber cell reportingFor serious frauds involving financial loss or identity theft, file an FIR or visit the nearest cybercrime police station with documentation.

Using these reporting channels can help limit future scam attempts and assist authorities in tracking and penalising fraudulent callers.

Role of financial institutions in customer awareness

Financial institutions play a vital role in protecting customers from phone-based scams by fostering awareness and promoting responsible banking behaviour. Banks and NBFCs proactively educate customers through SMS alerts, email newsletters, mobile app notifications, and awareness campaigns. These messages typically warn users about the risks of sharing sensitive information over the phone and offer practical tips on identifying fraud.

Many institutions also maintain dedicated fraud prevention sections on their websites, where they publish real-life scam scenarios and steps to avoid them. Customer service representatives are often trained to handle fraud-related inquiries and guide customers on how to secure their accounts.

In addition, some financial institutions collaborate with government authorities and telecom providers to block suspicious numbers and investigate reported cases. Through consistent communication and transparent practices, these institutions help strengthen consumer confidence and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to phone-based financial frauds.

Legal actions and recourse for scam victims

Victims of phone-based scams have several legal options available under Indian law to seek redressal and justice. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) includes provisions such as Section 420 (cheating) and Section 419 (impersonation), under which offenders can be prosecuted. If the scam involves digital deception, the Information Technology Act, 2000 applies, particularly for cases involving data theft, identity fraud, or cybercrime.

Victims should file a First Information Report (FIR) at their nearest police station or report the incident via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). These reports initiate formal investigations by cybercrime units or local law enforcement agencies.

In cases of financial loss through a banking channel, victims can also lodge complaints with their bank and escalate unresolved cases to the Banking Ombudsman. Legal aid may be sought through consumer forums or legal services authorities for those unable to afford private counsel. Timely reporting significantly improves the chances of recovery and legal accountability.

Conclusion

In an era where digital communication is widespread, calls from unknown numbers can pose serious risks ranging from data theft to financial fraud. As scammers adopt more advanced tactics like voice cloning and social engineering, it becomes crucial for individuals to exercise caution, avoid sharing personal details, and verify every transaction. Awareness, combined with proactive measures—such as using caller identification apps, enabling DND services, and reporting suspicious activity—offers strong defence against these threats.

Financial institutions, law enforcement, and telecom operators all play key roles in protecting consumers. By staying informed, leveraging official reporting channels, and taking swift action when needed, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability and safeguard their personal and financial well-being.