Last week, RealCall Blocklist got updated and more scam calls will be blocked based on that. That enables RealCall to move on toward accurate blocking. RealCall constantly updates Blocklist which is one of the biggest number bases developed by the RealCall team and it is capable to block most suspicious calls via AI technology, branch blocking base, etc. Here comes the weekly report on scam calls for the time range from February 26 to March 4.
Weekly Scam Alerts
AI Scam
The world is crazy about AI, and so are scammers. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to sound more like family members in distress. People are falling for it and losing thousands of dollars.
According to a news report by the Washington Post, recently there are some scam cases in which victims (usually old people) receive calls that sounded just like their grandsons or granddaughters. They said they needed cash because of some emergencies. Technology is making it easier and cheaper for bad actors to mimic voices, convincing people, often the elderly, that their loved ones are in distress. Powered by AI, a slew of cheap online tools can translate an audio file into a replica of a voice, allowing a swindler to make it “speak” whatever they type.
Keep in mind:
“A scammer impersonates someone trustworthy — a child, lover or friend — and convinces the victim to send them money because they’re in distress. Tracking down voice scammers can be “particularly difficult” because they could be using a phone-based anywhere in the world, making it hard to even identify which agency has jurisdiction over a particular case.“
News source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/03/05/ai-voice-scam/
Aqua Impersonating Scam Calls
Aqua Ohio is warning folks in The Valley about people claiming to be Aqua representatives, asking for account numbers and personal info.
Keep in mind:
“Aqua never asks for details like usernames, passwords or account numbers over the phone.“
Aqua Official
News source: https://www.wfmj.com/story/48493933/aqua-ohio-warns-of-scam-calls-seeking-personal-info
Weekly Blocking Data by RealCall
Number of Scam Calls Blocked by RealCall
In the past week (February 26 to March 4), RealCall has blocked 312,615 suspicious calls for all users. Among all the blocked calls, 185,885 calls are blocked via RealCall Blocklist, 124,978 via RealCall VOIP number base and 1,752 via RealCall toll-free number base.
The Riskiest Days during a Week
During the latest week, scam calls come most on Friday when 66,267 scam calls were blocked in all, then come Thursday (64,816 scam calls blocked) and Wednesday (62,442 scam calls blocked).
So, keep on high alert for your calls and messages this week on Friday, Thursday and Wednesday!
Top Scam Call Type
In the latest week, AI scams targeting grandparents’ calls are on the rise.
If you receive a call from a caller claiming to be your grandson or granddaughter even though it sounds the same as their voices, make sure the callers’ true identity is completely confirmed before transferring money.
RealCall Tips to Avoid Scams
Remember the following scam-likely signs below to avoid most scams.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.
- Not registered with the Attorney General’s Office
- Will NOT provide written information or references
- An investment without a risk
- Unresponsive to questions or too quick to answer by cutting you off
- Something for free
- Offer to send someone to your home or to overnight something
- Request a credit or debit card or any banking account information
- Immediate decision
- High-pressure sales or frequent calls