Experts Warn Against Answering Calls From Unknown Numbers

Security experts and government officials are advising mobile phone users to avoid answering or returning calls from unknown phone numbers.

This caution comes as scammers and automated systems increasingly use unidentified lines to target individuals for financial fraud and data theft.

In the U.S., more than 100 million robocalls were made each day in 2023 ^[1]. These automated systems often masquerade as legitimate entities to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees.

"Most of the calls that show up as ‘Unknown Caller’ are actually automated spam that can cost you money if you engage," Consumer Affairs Minister John Smith said ^[2].

Users in New Zealand face similar challenges, receiving an average of 12 unwanted unknown calls per week ^[2]. The prevalence of these calls has led to a broader push for public awareness regarding digital security.

There is some technical disagreement over the labeling of these calls. Reports from New Zealand suggest that an "Unknown Caller" label indicates a network failure to identify the number, while "No Caller ID" implies a deliberate block by the caller ^[2]. However, other experts argue the difference is largely cosmetic.

"The difference between ‘No Caller ID’ and ‘Unknown Caller’ is largely cosmetic — both hide the originating number and are used by scammers," Dr. Emily Chan said ^[1].

Beyond the risk of financial loss, experts warn that simply answering a call can signal to scammers that a phone line is active and monitored. This can lead to an increase in future targeting.

"If you answer an unknown call, you’re essentially giving a stranger a free line to your personal information," Jane Doe said ^[1].

To mitigate these risks, analysts suggest using call-blocking software or allowing unknown calls to go to voicemail. Legitimate callers typically leave a message and provide a way to be contacted back through verified channels.