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FAQs

What if I answered yes to a phone scammer? ›

By responding “yes,” people notify robo-callers that their number is an active telephone number that can be sold to other telemarketers for a higher price. This then leads to more unwanted calls.

File a complaint with the FCC if you believe you have received an illegal call or text, or if you think you're the victim of a spoofing scam. Click the tabs below for tips, FAQs and resources. Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.

Although cybercriminals cannot steal your information just by you answering a spam call, you should still avoid answering them to prevent them from targeting you more and falling for their scams.

Robocalls sometimes prompt you to take action, such as “press 1 to speak to a live representative” or “press 2 to unsubscribe” and so on. By following instructions, you confirm to the robocallers that you are a potential victim and invite further robocalls. Try to avoid taking any action.

You'll be targeted by even more scammers

Answering just one spam call is a signal to scammers that you are willing to pick up the phone.

Ignoring spam calls is a more effective approach than rejecting them. This is because interacting with the call can give scammers confirmation that your number is operational, possibly resulting in an increase of unwanted calls in the future.

If there aren't any human spammers available, it just hangs up. It's basically they have an automated system doing the dialling, when someone picks up it is supposed to connect you to someone in the call center to start the spamming process in person. If there aren't any human spammers available, it just hangs up.

Once you respond, scammers continue messaging you and try to build a relationship with you. After they've gained your trust, they'll ask for money or try to convince you to invest in cryptocurrency or other investment schemes.

By calling back a spam number, you could be targeted with scam calls and become a victim of AI voice scams. Scammers can record your voice during a scam call and use it to impersonate you in order to obtain money or access private information.

If you are speaking formally to someone like your manager or just some random person, then saying “Hello?” would definitely be seen as more polite. If you are just speaking with a friend you are acquainted with or a close family member, then saying “Yes” is fine.

What happens if you give a scammer access to your phone? ›

Identity theft and financial fraud: There's more than enough information on your phone to allow scammers to steal your identity or access your financial accounts. If they get access to your phone, hackers can engage in credit card fraud or even drain your bank accounts.