📞 Why You Should NEVER Answer Unknown Numbers Anymore (And What to Do Instead)

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Have you ever picked up a call from an unknown number, only to be met with the dreaded words: “This is a final warning about your car’s extended warranty”? Well, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving deep into why answering unknown numbers is riskier than ever and what smarter, safer tech habits you can adopt instead.

Let’s start with a true story...

🚨 Real Story: How One Call Cost Barbara $8,200

Barbara, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Arizona, picked up a call from a number she didn’t recognize. The man on the line claimed to be from her bank. He sounded polite, professional, and even knew the last four digits of her account. He told her there had been "suspicious charges" and she needed to verify her identity.

He walked her through a series of steps on her banking app. She followed them. Within an hour, her savings account had been emptied. $8,200 gone. It turned out she had unknowingly granted remote access to her phone. The caller wasn’t her bank. He was a scammer with a script.

Barbara is still recovering from the financial and emotional damage. And sadly, her story isn’t unusual.

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📝 Why Unknown Calls Are a Modern Menace

1. Scammers Can Spoof Any Number

You might see a call from your local area code, your bank, or even the IRS. That doesn’t mean it’s real. Phone number spoofing is now common and cheap.

Scammers can make any number appear on your screen. It's a bit like a digital Halloween costume for your phone.

2. They Know How to Sound Legit

Many scammers follow scripts written by ex-salespeople or former fraudsters. They know how to build urgency, sound kind, and win your trust.

Combine that with stolen data (from leaks or public info), and they can seem alarmingly real.

3. Even Pressing Buttons Can Be Dangerous

Some robocalls say, “Press 1 to speak with an agent” or “Press 2 to be removed.” But by pressing anything, you're telling the scammer: "This number is active and responsive."

That's like painting a target on your back.

4. They’re Using AI to Sound Human

Yes, it’s 2025, and even scammers are using ChatGPT. Some are using AI voice clones to mimic real people or fake customer service reps. They can even have two-way conversations without a real human on the other end.

Terrifying? Yep.

🫵 So, What Should You Do Instead?

1. Let It Ring (And Let Voicemail Do Its Job)

If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail. If they don’t, it probably wasn’t worth your time (or risk) anyway.

2. Use Call Filtering or Blocking Apps

Apps like Hiya, Truecaller, or Robokiller help identify spam calls in real-time. Some phone providers now include this as a feature too.

On iPhone, go to: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.

On Android, try: Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam > Filter spam calls.

3. Google the Number (But Carefully)

If curiosity gets the better of you, you can copy the number into Google. If it’s been reported, you’ll usually see complaints right away.

Just don’t call it back. That’s playing into their hands.

4. Add Key Contacts to Your Phone

Doctors, banks, your neighbor with the noisy dog — store their numbers in your contacts. That way you know what’s real, and what’s a red flag.

5. Educate Friends and Family

Forward this newsletter to someone who might need it. A surprising number of scams happen because people just didn’t know any better.

(Also: if you have a teenager, teach them not to answer weird calls either. It’s not just seniors who get hit.)

🚬 Bonus: The Weirdest Scam Calls We’ve Heard

• “Your social security number has been suspended.” (Newsflash: That’s not a thing.)

• “We have a warrant for your arrest. Pay now to avoid jail.” (Highly illegal. And stupid.)

• “You’ve won a cruise! Just give us your credit card to claim it.” (If only.)

✉️ Bottom Line

If you wouldn’t open the door to a stranger with no ID, don’t answer a call from a number you don’t know.

Let voicemail screen it. Trust your gut. And always, always be cautious with calls that:

• Ask for money

• Involve urgency or threats

• Want personal or banking info

• Seem "a little off"

Tech is here to help — but it’s also being used against us. So it’s more important than ever to stay sharp.

Catch you next time,

Oliver - Your Tech Guide

P.S. If a scam call has ever fooled you (or almost did), reply to this email. We’re gathering stories for a future issue — and you’ll be helping others stay safe too.