The general aim of scam calls is to make the victim call back on a special premium rate number. The scammers normally use numbers registered abroad and when the victim takes the call, it cuts off immediately to prompt the desired call back.
So if you receive a call from a telephone number registered abroad that you do not recognise, remember the following advice:
- Ignore the call without hanging up: that way, you do not indicate to the scammers that your number is still in service.
- Never call back a foreign number you do not recognise.
- Block the caller on your telephone.
- If the scam calls continue, inform your service provider.
- Check your telephone bill and file a complaint with the Police in the event of any loss.
There are, however, other forms of scam call, the purpose of which is to check whether your home is occupied. In this case, the caller pretends to work for a company, a government department or an institution, and asks if you are at home. As burglars may use this method, you should never answer questions about the composition of the household, or the times of day the occupants are at home.
