It is common to get a few unknown calls on your office numbers. These are often telemarketers or bill collectors that are hoping you answer out of curiosity. Sometimes, answering the phone can help you sort things out. Many times, however, you are met with a rude salesperson or a scammer. Refrain from answering calls from numbers you do not recognize. This makes it easier to keep your information safe and may deter scammers from calling again. It is helpful, however, to find out who is calling. This way you can make a more informed decision about blocking, returning, or reporting the call.
Keep Information Private
Bill collectors are hoping to get your bank information so they can get payments. Your card numbers stay on file when you give them to companies for payments. Scammers may steal your money or your entire identity. Never give your information to someone that calls from an unidentified number.
If you pay bills online, it is best for you to call a trusted phone number that belongs to the business. There are also many online payment options that require a secure login. If you receive a call asking for money, look up the phone number with a reverse phone lookup. You can find out if the caller is legitimate. If the call is from a personal line, for example, they probably do not work for your credit card company. Be sure to block numbers that are not trustworthy.
Results
Reverse number sites pull a variety of information for you. Some scammers and telemarketers are great at hiding their identity. If their information is hidden this well, you should be concerned. An honest caller does not need to hide their name. You can enter the phone number on the site and get different results.
You can get the name of an individual caller or the name of a company. If this is not available, you can receive a risk assessment of the call or a general area the call is coming from. Risk assessment tells you the odds that the call is spam, at times. You may also be told if the call is coming from a landline or cell phone. All of this can help you decide how to handle the call.
Analyzing the Call
If you get a proper name, you can feel better about answering or returning the call. If the call shows a high risk of spam, you can block the number. If a number is identified as a cell phone number, it is probably not from a legitimate business. If you answer this call and the person claims to be a business, you should be careful what you say or hang up. If you notice several similar numbers, they may all be from the same telemarketer. The reverse phone lookup site can help you determine what to do. It is easy to block a caller and fraudulent calls should be reported.
Your phone number is used for many purposes. Job applications, online shopping sites, and credit card applications all ask for a working phone number. Your phone number may be passed around too many companies and individuals. It only takes one dishonest person to steal your identity or money. Find out who is calling so you can stay safe.