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 March 5 to March 11.
Weekly Scam Alerts
Elaborate Scam Call Told by a TikToker
A TikToker named Beth shared an experience of receiving a scam call that finally cost her money by “kidnapping” her sister. The scammer called Beth with the caller ID of her sister and the call was totally like her sister was calling. For more details about her experience, you access TikTok to learn more.
At the end of the video, Beth suggested if you received such a call, hang up immediately and call your actual friends or family to check, they are mostly fine.
Top 5 Area Codes to Keep Alert
According to a report by Islander, the top 5 area codes are listed to remind people to keep alert:
- 268 – (Antigua and Barbuda)
- 284 – (British Virgin Islands)
- 473 – (Grenada and Carriacou)
- 649 – (Turks and Caicos Islands)
- 876 – (Jamaica)
Keep in mind:
“If you get a call from an area code listed above, do not answer the phone, simply hang up, and never provide an unknown caller with personal or financial information“
News source: https://www.islandernews.com/news/stay-safe-from-scam—do-not-answer-calls-from-these-5-area-codes/article_4767fe1c-c018-11ed-bf47-07c263640209.html
Weekly Blocking Data by RealCall
Number of Scam Calls Blocked by RealCall
In the past week (March 5 to March 11), RealCall has blocked 391,149 suspicious calls for all users. Among all the blocked calls, 233,558 calls are blocked via RealCall Blocklist, 156,075 via RealCall VOIP number base and 1,516 via RealCall toll-free number base.
The Riskiest Days during a Week
During the latest week, scam calls come most on Friday when 78,145 scam calls were blocked in all, then come Thursday (77,757 scam calls blocked) and Wednesday (71,348 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, scam calls impersonating kidnapping are on the rise.
If you receive a call telling you about kidnapping of your family or friends, don’t panic. Just hang up first, then call the real contact to confirm. Even if the call maintains unanswered, call the police first before transferring money to the caller.
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