20 November 2023 , 14:01
955
0
People are often confused about the difference between 'No Caller ID' and 'Unknown Caller'. It can be particularly frustrating when these calls interrupt your day, especially if you're expecting an important call.
One curious Reddit user asked: "Someone called me with the caller ID of Unknown Caller. Any idea what this is? I'm a bit spooked?" Mobile operators explain that if a call comes in as 'No Caller ID', it means the caller has intentionally hidden their number by dialling *67 before your contact number. This can also appear as 'Private' or 'Anonymous', depending on your mobile phone settings.
On the other hand, if an 'Unknown Caller' is trying to reach you, it simply means your mobile operator couldn't identify the number. If you're unsure whether to answer a 'No Caller ID' or 'Unknown Caller' call, the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice suggests playing it safe - let it ring or hang up if you don't recognise the voice on the other end.
A statement reads: "Even if it's not a scammer calling when a company is calling you illegally, it's not a company you want to do business with. When you get a robocall, don't press any numbers. Instead of letting you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, it might lead to more robocalls.
Read more: 'I took DNA test for a laugh - and accidentally uncovered my mum's devious past'
Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend
"Scammers can use the internet to make calls from all over the world. They don't care if you're on the National Do Not Call Registry. That's why your best defense against unwanted calls is call blocking. Which type of call-blocking or call-labeling technology you use will depend on the phone - whether it's a cell phone, a traditional landline, or a home phone that makes calls over the internet (VoIP)."
"See what services your phone carrier offers, and look online for expert reviews. For cell phones, you also can check out the reviews for different call-blocking apps in your online app store. Scammers can make any name or number show up on your caller ID. That's called spoofing. So even if it looks like it's a government agency like the Social Security Administration calling, or like the call is from a local number, it could be a scammer calling from anywhere in the world."
One Reddit user suggested: "My iPhone has an option to only accept calls from people in your contact list. This could work as a short-term solution if it's available to you." Another user shared their experience: "This just happened to me and lately I've been applying to a lot of jobs so I assumed that it's probably one of them."
A third user advised: "Simple. Don't answer the calls and let it go straight to the message bank. If it's a legitimate call they will leave a message It's relatively easy to prevent caller ID from showing your number when you call someone. People like doctors who call patients deliberately do this so patients can't call them back - but some of these no one on the other end calls are from automated calling systems."
"They are called abandoned or silent calls. It's literally a computer calling you that is supposed to switch you to a call center when you answer. That's why sometimes you will hear background noise or a faint voice. These calls can also be used to verify the number being called is in use and may then bombard you with robocalls hoping you will fall for a scam. Just ignore numbers you don't recognize unless you are actually expecting a call from someone who legitimately might conceal their number such as a doctor or during an expected phone interview."
Got a story? Email us at [email protected]
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.