Jun 1, 2026 | posted by Lily Chavez
Answering a call from an unknown number might seem harmless, but it can open the door to scams, spam, and even identity theft. According to AARP's fraud prevention guidance, the safest approach is to simply let unfamiliar calls go to voicemail.
Phone scams have grown increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Scammers no longer rely solely on obvious robocalls or suspicious international numbers. Instead, they often use “spoofing” technology to make calls appear as if they’re coming from local or trusted numbers.
With billions of robocalls placed each year, many people are targeted regularly and even cautious individuals can fall victim.
Common Tactics Scammers Use:
1. The "Can You Hear Me?" Scam
One of the most well-known tactics involves a caller asking a simple question like, "Can you hear me?" or "Is this [your name]?" The goal is to get you to say “yes,” which may be recorded and used as part of a larger scam attempt. While experts say this recording alone isn’t usually enough to commit fraud, the real danger is that it opens the door to further interaction and manipulation.
2. IF You Answer, It Can Lead to Costly or Ongoing Scams
Answering tells scammers your number is real, which can lead to more spam and scam call. From callback scams to repeated robocalls, one answer can open the door to more fraud attempts.
3. One-Ring and Callback Scams
Some scams involve a missed call that rings once and disconnects. If you call back, you may be charged high fees via premium-rate phone numbers.
Why Ignoring Unknown Calls Is Safer
Letting an unfamiliar call go to voicemail is a simple safeguard. If the call is legitimate, the person will typically:
- Leave a message
- Call back
- Contact you through another verified method
- Most of the time, you expect a call
Answering a phone call used to be harmless, but in today's environment, it can expose you to unnecessary risk. From impersonation scams to robocalls and data collection schemes, unknown caller often have hidden movies. The safest strategy is simple: If you don't recognize the number, don't answer.
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