Receiving unexpected international calls can be a source of anxiety for many people. Whether it’s a single call from an unknown number or multiple missed calls from abroad, the uncertainty can leave you wondering about the implications for your privacy and security.
Kathy S. recently reached out to a concern that many of us can relate to: “I have received calls from Beijing and Russia on my mobile phone. I have not answered them. Can you tell me why this is happening? Is my phone at risk?”
If you’ve experienced similar calls, you’re not alone. Let’s investigate this problem and find out what’s really going on.
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A man receives an international call on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The rise of international telephone fraud
International calling fraud has become increasingly common in recent years. One particularly common scam is known as ‘Wangiri’, which comes from Japan and means ‘one ring and cut’. These scammers usually let your phone ring once or twice before hanging up, hoping to pique your curiosity and get you to call back.
A woman receiving an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Why are you receiving these international scam calls?
There are several reasons why you may be receiving calls from unknown international numbers.
Another scam: Scammers use automated systems to call thousands of numbers, disconnecting after one ring. If you call back, you may be connected to a premium rate number, which will incur significant charges.
Telemarketing and robocalls: Some companies use international numbers to circumvent local regulations and reach a wider audience.
Number spoofing: Scammers may give the impression that their calls are coming from different countries, enticing you to answer.
A woman receiving an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Is your phone at risk?
While receiving unexpected international calls won’t necessarily put your phone at immediate risk, there are several potential dangers to be aware of. The main risk lies in possible financial losses if you deal with these scammers. If you call back, you may be transferred to a paid service number owned by the fraudster. You may also be charged high fees for these calls, with the scammer trying to keep you on the line to increase the amount billed.
While this is less common with Wangiri scams, there is always a risk of personal data theft when coming into contact with unknown callers. Sharing sensitive data such as bank account numbers or social security numbers can lead to identity theft.
Answering or returning these calls can signal to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more scam calls in the future. Although not typically associated with Wangiri scams, some advanced phone scams can potentially install malware on your device if you click certain links or prompts or follow the scammer’s instructions.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially gain access to your private data is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware attacks, keeping your personal data and digital assets safe. Discover my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
A woman receiving an international call on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to protect yourself
While these international calls can be concerning, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are six effective strategies to protect you from potential scams and unwanted calls.
1) Do not answer or call back: If you receive a call from an unknown international number, resist the urge to answer the call or call back.
2) Block suspicious numbers: Use your phone’s built-in features to block these numbers and prevent future calls.
3) Report the calls: Notify your telephone company and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of these suspicious calls.
4) Use call blocking apps: Consider installing call blocking apps to identify and block spam calls.
5) Be careful with personal information: Never share sensitive information over the phone, especially with unknown callers.
6) Invest in personal data deletion services: Consider using services that remove your personal information from the Internet, which will reduce the chance of scammers obtaining your information. While no service promises to delete all your data from the Internet, having a deletion service is great if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of continuously deleting your data from hundreds of sites over an extended period of time. See my top picks for data deletion services here.
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Kurt’s most important insights
While unexpected international calls can be alarming, understanding the nature of these scams allows you to protect yourself. By staying informed and following the preventative measures outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these schemes. Remember, your best defense is a combination of caution, awareness, and proactive steps to protect your personal information.
Are phone companies doing enough to protect consumers from international scam calls? Let us know what you think by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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