By Fox23.com News Staff
WAGONER COUNTY, Okla. — The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about how speaking during silent phone calls from unknown numbers can set them up to receive future scam calls.
Many people have reported answering a call from an unknown number, only to be met with silence on the other end before the caller hangs up.
Authorities said while these calls may seem harmless, the trick is used by scammers to identify phone numbers attached to real people.
The sheriff’s office explained, “Scammers use automated dialing systems to call thousands of numbers at once. When you answer, even saying something as simple as ‘hello,’ your number is flagged as active and associated with a real person. This information can then be sold or reused, leading to an increase in scam calls, including those impersonating banks, government agencies or healthcare providers.”
If you answer a call from an unknown number and hear only silence, don’t speak. Instead, hang up immediately, block the phone number and report repeated calls to either the Federal Trade Commission or your phone carrier.
While these types of scams can target anyone, they’re often most dangerous for older adults who use to phone to communicate about medical, financial and government services.
The sheriff’s office provided the following tips to help keep yourself protected:
- Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers
- Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry
- Use call-blocking features or apps on your phone
- Stay cautious, even if a call appears legitimate
Ultimately, the best response is not to answer these calls at all because even a small bit of engagement can lead to future scam calls.
If you believe you’re been targeted or victimized by a scam, the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to reach out to them at 918-485-3124.
