Unknown callers: If you block these 10 numbers, the telephone terror will end

1. Block numbers on iOS and Android

2. You should block this number

3. Correct behavior when receiving spam calls

The list of scams that you have to deal with almost every day is long. The most common include the grandparent scam, the fake competition or the phishing message. Since these scams usually reach you via chat or email, they are quite easy to ignore. 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.

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 this number

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.

Six of the ten most frequently reported numbers come from Germany. Two from Great Britain and the two most blocked numbers from the Netherlands. The analysis found an increase of 3.4 percent in aggressive advertising calls. These came from the mobile number +31 6 31170135.

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 31170135 (Mobile – Netherlands)
• +31 6 31170094 (Mobile – Netherlands)
• 02237 6922894 (Kerpen Rhineland-Türnich)
• 030 23595932 (Berlin)
• 0211 95588444 (Düsseldorf)
• +44 7543 156898 (Mobile – UK)
• 01521 2665194 (Mobil)
• 0211 86842562 (Düsseldorf)
• +44 7762 384079 (Mobile – UK)
• 01521 1306108 (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 and do not 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 complete 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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