They Call You, Don’t Answer, and Hang Up: That’s How the Ghost Call Scam Works
More and more people are receiving a call, answering it, and finding no one on the other end. Within a few seconds, the line is cut. This method, known as a “phantom call” or , isn’t meant for conversation, but rather to check if the number is active.
With this simple gesture, the number is added to databases that are traded on illegal markets. Additionally, this strategy often sparks curiosity or alarm in the victim, leading them to return the call.
Two forms of scam
The first risk is that the number is marked as “valid” and used for more scam attempts or . The second, more direct, happens when returning the call: users may be redirected to or international numbers with high costs, resulting in immediate charges on the bill.
In some cases, simply keeping the line open for a few seconds can make the operation profitable for scammers.
Detected variants and how to protect yourself
Although the basic scheme is repeated, there are different modalities:
- Insistent missed calls: the number calls multiple times in a few minutes to increase the temptation to return the call.
- False voicemail messages: after hanging up, an empty voicemail or generic audio is left to feed curiosity.
- Local number spoofing: spoofing techniques make it appear as if a nearby or legitimate number is calling.
All of them have the same goal: exploit the automatic response to answer or return the call.
The best defense is prevention. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Do not return unknown calls, especially if they include strange international prefixes.
- Block and report the number as spam on the device itself.
- Regularly check the bill for suspicious charges.
- Use filtering apps that identify and block fraudulent calls in real-time.
- Consult official lists of dangerous prefixes published by telecommunications agencies.
If you have already returned a phantom call and suspect unauthorized charges, it is advisable to immediately contact the operator, request the blocking of calls to special numbers, and file a formal complaint if high charges are detected.
