Receiving unexpected international calls What you need to know

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”, she asked. Kathy is not alone in this experience. Many people have reported similar incidents, and the reason behind this phenomenon is rooted in the world of international relations and geopolitics.

The Rise of Global Communication

In today’s interconnected world, communication has become a vital tool for nations to engage with each other. The advent of mobile phones and the internet has made it easier for people to connect with others across the globe.

This tactic is designed to pique your curiosity and prompt you to call them back.

The Wangiri Scam: Understanding the Threat

The Wangiri scam is a type of international call scam that has gained significant attention in recent years. It is characterized by its unique method of operation, where scammers let your phone ring once or twice before hanging up. This tactic is designed to create a sense of urgency and curiosity, prompting you to call them back.

How the Scam Works

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the Wangiri scam typically unfolds:

  • Scammers call you from an unknown number, often claiming to be from a reputable organization or government agency. The call is brief, lasting only a few seconds, and the scammer hangs up immediately after the first ring. You are left with a missed call notification, which can be unsettling and prompt you to call the number back. When you call the number back, you are often greeted by a pre-recorded message or a live person claiming to be from the organization or agency.

    This can result in significant financial losses due to high call rates and hidden fees.

    The Dark Side of International Numbers

    Understanding the Risks

    When dealing with international numbers, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Some companies may use these numbers to bypass local regulations, which can lead to significant financial losses for consumers. This is particularly true when dealing with premium rate services, where high call rates and hidden fees can quickly add up. Premium Rate Services: These services often charge exorbitant rates for calls, which can be hidden or not clearly disclosed. This can result in unexpected charges on your phone bill, leading to financial losses. Hidden Fees: Some premium rate services may charge additional fees for services like text messages or access to premium content. These fees can be hidden or not clearly disclosed, making it difficult for consumers to understand the true cost of the service.**

    How Scammers Use International Numbers

    Scammers often use international numbers to bypass local regulations and target unsuspecting consumers. These scammers may use various tactics to convince consumers to engage with their services, including:

  • Phishing: Scammers may use phishing emails or messages to trick consumers into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal details. Fake Promotions: Scammers may create fake promotions or offers to lure consumers into engaging with their services. These promotions may be designed to look legitimate, but they often come with hidden costs or risks.

    Protecting Your Devices from Malware

    Malware can cause significant damage to your device, including data loss, system crashes, and compromised personal information. To avoid falling victim to these types of scams, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your devices.

    Installing Antivirus Software

    Installing antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your devices from malware. Here are some key benefits of using antivirus software:

  • Real-time protection: Antivirus software can detect and block malware in real-time, preventing it from infecting your device. Automatic updates: Antivirus software can automatically update its definitions to ensure you have the latest protection against new malware threats. Scanning and removal: Antivirus software can scan your device for malware and remove it, restoring your device to a safe state. ### Additional Measures**

    • Additional Measures

    While antivirus software is essential, it’s not the only measure you can take to protect your devices. Here are some additional steps you can take:

  • Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Keep your operating system and software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system and software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. ### What to Do If You’re a Victim**

    • What to Do If You’re a Victim

    If you’ve fallen victim to a malware scam, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the damage:

  • Disconnect from the internet: Immediately disconnect your device from the internet to prevent the malware from spreading.

    Here are some steps you can take to block an unknown international number on your phone:

    Blocking Unknown International Numbers on Your Phone

    If you receive a call from an unknown international number, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your personal and financial information. Here are the steps you can take to block an unknown international number on your phone:

  • Use your phone’s built-in blocking feature: Most smartphones have a built-in feature that allows you to block unknown numbers. Check your phone’s settings menu to see if this feature is available. * Use a third-party app: There are many third-party apps available that can help you block unknown international numbers.

    [link to the data removal service]

    The Importance of Online Data Protection

    Online data protection is a pressing concern in today’s digital age. With the rise of the internet and social media, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. It’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard our data and protect our online identity.

    The Risks of Data Breaches

    Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage. A single data breach can compromise sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and personal identifiable information (PII). This can lead to a range of problems, including:

  • Financial loss: Data breaches can result in significant financial losses, as hackers may use stolen credit card information to make unauthorized purchases. Identity theft: Stolen PII can be used to create fake identities, allowing hackers to access sensitive information, such as bank accounts and credit cards. Reputational damage: Data breaches can damage an organization’s reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and loyalty. ### The Importance of Data Protection*

    • The Importance of Data Protection

    Data protection is crucial for maintaining online security and preventing data breaches. By taking proactive steps to protect our data, we can:

  • Prevent data breaches: Data protection measures, such as encryption and secure passwords, can prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information. Maintain online security: Data protection measures can also help maintain online security, by preventing hackers from accessing sensitive information. Protect our online identity: Data protection measures can help protect our online identity, by preventing hackers from using our personal information to create fake identities.

    Don’t Let Investment Schemes Steal Your Money – Know the Risks and Protect Yourself!

    Here are some key points to keep in mind:

    Understanding the Risks of Investment Schemes

    Investment schemes can be a lucrative way to grow your wealth, but they also come with significant risks. These schemes often promise unusually high returns with little to no risk, which can be tempting to investors. However, these schemes are often scams, designed to part you from your hard-earned money.

    Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • Unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited investment offers, especially if they come from unknown or unverified sources. Guaranteed returns: Be cautious of investment schemes that promise guaranteed returns, as these are often unrealistic and unsustainable. Complex jargon: Be wary of investment schemes that use complex jargon or technical terms to confuse or intimidate you. * Pressure to invest quickly: Be cautious of investment schemes that pressure you to invest quickly, as this can be a sign of a scam. ## How to Protect Yourself**

    • How to Protect Yourself

    To protect yourself from investment schemes, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Research, research, research: Do your research on any investment scheme before investing. Look for reviews, testimonials, and ratings from reputable sources. Verify the source: Verify the source of the investment scheme and ensure it’s registered with regulatory bodies. Diversify your portfolio: Diversify your portfolio by investing in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.

    Kurt’s CyberGuy column is published every Thursday.

    The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness

    Cybersecurity awareness is a critical component of protecting individuals, businesses, and organizations from the ever-evolving threats of the digital world. As technology advances, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches increases, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant.

    Understanding the Risks

  • Cyberattacks can take many forms, including phishing, ransomware, and malware. Phishing attacks involve tricking users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. Ransomware attacks involve encrypting data and demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. Malware attacks involve installing malicious software on a device, which can steal data, disrupt operations, or compromise security. ### The Consequences of Inadequate Cybersecurity

    • The Consequences of Inadequate Cybersecurity

  • Data breaches can result in significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and compromised sensitive information. Cyberattacks can also lead to downtime, lost productivity, and compromised business operations.

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