Protection against spam calls: You should block these 10 numbers now

Almost every day you have to deal with all sorts of fraud attempts. The most common scams include the grandparent scam, job offers via WhatsApp, fake competitions or phishing emails or SMS. These messages are annoying, but are usually quite easy to ignore because they reach you via chat or email. Spam calls are a different story.

A constantly ringing cell phone can cause increased stress, especially if making calls is not one of your favorite activities. Before you know it, calls from unknown numbers can turn into telephone terror and get on your last nerve. Spam calls can also be far more dangerous if the telephone scammers use their skillful rhetoric to lure you into a trap.

1. Block numbers on iOS and Android

2. You should block these numbers

3. Correct behavior when receiving spam calls

To avoid falling for a scam and to avoid receiving such calls, you should block known spam numbers in advance. We’ll show you which numbers these are and how to do it on your iPhone or Android phone.

Block numbers on iOS and Android

The procedure for blocking phone numbers differs depending on the smartphone. On an iOS device, you first have to save the number in question. Only then can you block it in your contact list. In our instructions, we show you step by step how this works.

On an Android smartphone, you have to proceed a little differently. Blocking numbers on these devices is possible from the call list. We have also summarized the specific procedure for you in a guide.

You should block these numbers

Last month, the calls were mainly cost traps, such as Clever Dial reported. The scammers try to trick you and talk you into signing up for an expensive subscription, contract or product.

All ten numbers are a cost trap. The scammers want to trick you into signing up for a subscription or claim that you have won a competition. In this context, they not only demand that you disclose your sensitive data, but also ask you to transfer money. This is necessary, for example, to cancel the supposed subscription or to accept your prize.

It is also noticeable that a particularly large number of spam calls are currently coming from the Netherlands. The Dutch scammers behind the number +31 6 13471518 are particularly persistent. Overall, three Dutch phone numbers are among the ten most annoying spam calls.

You should block the numbers listed below immediately. This way you won’t run the risk of becoming a victim of the scam.

• +31 6 13471518 (Netherlands)
• 02237 6922894 (Kerpen Rhineland-Türnich)
• +31 6 13812655 (Netherlands)
• 030 22182918 (Berlin)
• 0211 95588439 (Düsseldorf)
• 0176 13176147 (Mobil)
• 0211 95588441 (Düsseldorf)
• 01525 8298776 (Mobil)
• +31 6 31170132 (Solingen)
• 015510 391815 (Mobil)

At the moment, you should not only be on your guard against classic telephone fraud, but also against dubious calls and chat requests on WhatsApp. As part of a new scam, contacts from India (dialling code +91), Indonesia (dialling code +62) and Malaysia (dialling code +60) are calling or writing to you. You should not respond to these requests under any circumstances.

Correct behavior when receiving spam calls

Despite security precautions, it can still happen that a fraudster calls you and you pick up the phone. If you find yourself in such a situation, you must follow a few basic rules.

Never give out your personal details or confirm any information from the person you are calling. We also recommend avoiding the word “yes”. Telephone scammers are known for marking up calls. By recording your confirmation, they can cut the word out of context and trick you into agreeing to a contract, for example. So always answer in full sentences.

A free app from “Das Örtliche Telefonbuch” can provide additional help in the fight against spam calls. It has a reverse search, automatic call recognition and spam protection. This means you are always warned in good time about intrusive callers.

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