Unexpected international calls? Here's what you need to know.

The uncertainty of receiving unexpected international calls can cause anxiety for many individuals, leaving them wondering about the implications for their privacy and security.

Recently, Kathy S. expressed a concern that many of us can relate to: "I've been receiving calls from Beijing and Russia on my cellphone, but I didn't answer them. Can you explain why this is happening? Is my phone at risk?"

You're not alone if you've experienced similar calls. Let's investigate this matter together.

The rise of international call scams

Scams involving international calls have become more frequent in recent years. One common type of scam is called "Wangiri," which is a Japanese term meaning "one-ring-and-cut." These scammers usually let your phone ring once or twice before hanging up, in an attempt to pique your curiosity and prompt a callback.

Why are you receiving these international scam calls?

Unfamiliar international numbers may be calling you for various reasons.

Scammers employ automated systems to make thousands of calls, disconnecting after one ring. If you call back, you may be linked to a premium rate number, resulting in substantial charges. This is known as a Wangiri scam.

Some companies use international numbers to evade local regulations and expand their reach to a broader audience through telemarketing and robocalls.

Scammers can use number spoofing to make their calls appear to come from different countries, deceiving you into answering.

Is your phone at risk?

Receiving international calls unexpectedly doesn't necessarily pose an immediate threat to your phone, but it's crucial to be aware of potential dangers. The primary risk is financial loss if you engage with scammers. If you call back, you may be connected to a premium rate service number owned by the fraudster. You could also be charged heavily for these calls, with the scammer aiming to keep you on the line to increase the billed amount.

There's always a risk of identity theft if you share sensitive data with unknown callers, even if Wangiri scams are less common.

Responding to scam calls may alert scammers that your phone number is active, increasing the likelihood of receiving more scam calls in the future. While not commonly associated with Wangiri scams, some advanced phone scams can infect your device with malware if you click on specific links, prompts, or follow the scammer's instructions.

To safeguard yourself from malicious links and protect your private information, it is recommended to install antivirus software on all your devices. This software can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. If you're looking for the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices in 2025, check out my top picks.

How to protect yourself

To safeguard yourself and your personal information from international calls that can be concerning, consider implementing these six effective strategies to protect against potential scams and unwanted calls.

Resist answering or returning calls from unknown international numbers.

Prevent future calls from suspicious numbers by utilizing your phone's built-in blocking features.

Notify your phone service provider and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of these suspicious calls.

Install call-blocking apps to identify and block spam calls.

Be careful when sharing personal information: Avoid disclosing sensitive data over the phone, particularly with unknown callers.

Consider using personal data removal services to reduce the chances of scammers obtaining your information. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service can help automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites over a longer period of time. Here are my top picks for data removal services.

Kurt's key takeaways

Understanding international scams can help you protect yourself from unexpected calls. By staying informed and following preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these schemes. Your best defense is a combination of caution, awareness, and proactive steps to safeguard your personal information.

What are your thoughts on whether phone companies are doing enough to safeguard consumers from international scam calls? Share your opinions with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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