"Silent" calls in Kyiv: how to protect yourself from fraudulent schemes and spam

"Silent" calls in Kyiv: how to protect yourself from fraudulent schemes and spam

"Silent" calls have become one of the biggest problems for mobile users in Kyiv and the region.

Why they keep coming, who initiates them, and what to do about it — we tackle in a new article.

How do "silent" calls work?

"Silent" calls, where you hear no voice on the other end, are not accidental. They have a clear purpose and are used to collect phone number databases, which are then sold to spammers or fraudsters.

There are two main types of such calls:

• Completely silent call

The call lasts a few seconds and ends without any conversation. This is an automatic process to verify if the number is active. Such a call does not require you to respond. It is simply a test to see if the number is live and ready for further use.

• Calls with silence on the other end

In this case, the telephone system calls and waits to confirm if a live person is on the line. If nobody responds within a few seconds of picking up the phone, it indicates the number is inactive. If you answer and stay silent, the system might record your response without conducting a conversation.

Why does this happen?

"Silent" calls are often used for:

• Collecting phone number databases

When numbers are active and regularly picked up, these databases are then sold to companies engaged in mass SMS or call distribution.

• Verifying the "livelihood" of a number

The call may be part of marketing or fraudulent schemes that collect active numbers for spamming or phishing attacks.

• Analyzing user behavior

Some systems may use the data to study who answers unfamiliar numbers and who doesn’t, as well as collect statistics by gender or age to better target their advertising campaigns.

According to Oleksiy Ivanov, a cybersecurity specialist, these calls are just the tip of the iceberg: “The fact is that collected numbers then become part of huge lists that can be used not only for spam but also for phishing attacks. And if a malefactor has your number, they might try to steal personal information through other channels, like messengers or email”.

How to protect yourself from "silent" calls

Don’t just ignore these calls, as they may be a sign of serious fraudulent schemes. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself:

• Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. If you are not expecting a call and the number is unknown, it is best not to pick up. You can look up the number through an app or your phone’s call log.
• Use spam-blocking apps. You can install apps to block spam calls, which can help filter such calls before you pick up.
• Avoid engaging in conversations with robots. If you hear an automated message on the other end, it’s better not to respond to such calls. Never provide personal information to calling robots.
• Check online databases. Periodically check your number in open registers and databases to ensure your information hasn’t been compromised.

Fraud that is gaining momentum

In Kyiv, these schemes are becoming increasingly common. Besides regular spam requests, "silent" calls are often used to collect information for phishing attacks, where the phone number is just the first step towards stealing personal data.

According to Ivanna Koval, a cybersecurity expert: “Fraudsters use these methods to gain access to your personal information. Most people underestimate the threats associated with simple calls, not knowing how it can lead to serious consequences.”

"Silent" calls are more than just an annoying problem. They can be part of serious fraudulent schemes. Residents of Kyiv and the region should be cautious and use simple means to protect their personal space. Only in this way can they avoid significant troubles that may arise from an innocent-looking call.