Last updated: March 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Spam calls in Singapore can be fraudulent and are a growing concern.
- To stop spam calls, block numbers individually, use carrier services, employ third-party apps, or simply ignore unknown international calls.
- Scammers often use the one-ring tactic to induce callback and charge high rates.
- Be cautious with sharing personal information to prevent scammers from obtaining your number.
Introduction:
In Singapore's connected society, spam calls are a pervasive nuisance, often with deceitful intentions. Knowing how to effectively halt these calls is crucial for safeguarding your privacy and security. This guide will arm you with strategies to combat spam calls and maintain peace of mind.
Featured Snippet:
How do I stop spam calls in Singapore? To stop spam calls in Singapore, you can block numbers manually on your device, rely on carrier services to filter out suspicious calls, use trusted third-party apps like ScamShield, or simply ignore and block any unknown international numbers. It's essential to be vigilant and protective of your personal information to minimize the risk of receiving these unwanted calls.
So, without further ado, join us as we discuss how Singapore experts, specifically the Info-communications Media Development Authority, deal with this issue.
What Is a Spam Risk Call or Scam Call?
A spam risk call or scam call is a type of phone call that is made with the intent to deceive or defraud the person who answers the call.
These calls can be made by individuals or automated systems, and they often use various tactics to trick the person into giving away personal information or money. Here are some common types of spam risk and scam calls:
- Robocalls: These are automated calls that use pre-recorded messages to try to sell something or scam the person who answers the call.
- Phishing calls: These are calls that are made to obtain personal or financial information from the person who answers the call. The caller may pretend to be a representative from a bank, government agency, or other legitimate organization.
- Tech support scams: These are calls that are made by scammers who pretend to be tech support representatives from a reputable company. They may claim that the person's computer or device has a virus or other problem, and then try to sell them unnecessary services or software.
- Prize or lottery scams: These are calls that are made to inform the person that they have won a prize or lottery, but they need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it.
- Social security scams: These are calls that are made by scammers who pretend to be representatives from IRAS or ICA. They may claim that the person's IC number has been compromised, and then try to obtain personal information or money.
Overall, spam risk and scam calls are designed to deceive and defraud the person who answers the call. It's important to be cautious and not provide personal information or money over the phone unless you are certain that the call is legitimate.
Why am I getting unwanted international calls?
Getting random calls from international numbers? - Spam Calls Singapore
If you weren't expecting a call from an overseas number and then received one, there's a good chance that someone is trying to trick you.
In Singapore, you'll know straight away whether the call is from an international number since a "+" prefix will appear on your phone screen when it's already ringing. According to Singaporean experts, this "+" prefix is a good first step in combating foreign spam calls.
If you're wondering why you're receiving unwanted international calls, there are a few factors to consider. These calls normally ring once before being disconnected.
You should not take up such calls, and you should never call back on these unknown numbers since they might start tracing you and you will be scammed.
Typically, these callers will attempt to dupe you and take your money using a tactic known as the one ring and cut.
Scammers use the one ring and cut strategy to defraud someone. Scammers typically hire an international premium rate number from a local phone provider, and this is the number that the scammer will give you one ring before disconnecting the call.
With this approach, you will believe that the missed call is essential, and you will most likely call again on the same number, and your call will be answered. The longer you are on the phone, the more you will be charged.
To prevent receiving unwanted international calls, you should always be cautious with the information you provide in public, as well as the forms you fill out, since this might be one of the reasons these fraudsters were able to discover your phone number.
However, there is no need to be concerned because the majority of these fraudsters are simply guessing whose numbers they will be defrauding.
How do I stop international spam calls?
Stop receiving international spam calls - Spam Calls Singapore
We understand how annoying and frightening it is to continue receiving spam calls, especially if they are international spam calls.
To be honest, it's quite difficult to stop international spam calls because there would be a lot of work required just to stop it.
There are, however, several basic and easy techniques to halt and prevent these international spam calls. However, keep in mind that these instructions may not work for all devices.
Some methods may work on Android smartphones but not on iOS devices, and vice versa. If these international spam calls continue to bother you, you might want to try these techniques to stop international spam calls.
Method 1: Block individual numbers one by one
To begin with, you can't literally block all of these international spam calls with a single click.
However, if you only have one number that continues contacting you, this strategy will be highly helpful in stopping that international spam call that you keep receiving.
This solution will work for both Android and iOS smartphones.
For IOS devices, go to the Phone app, next to Recents, and then click the blue information button to the right of the number you wish to block, and then click the "Block this Caller" button. As easy as that.
Meanwhile for the Android devices, you just simply need to navigate to your Settings menu and go straight ahead to the Call Settings or can be also labed just as Call.
Once you're in your Call Settings, tap on Block Numbers or Blocked Contacts, and you'll be able to block particular numbers you know would be undesirable, or you may select to block all unknown calls.
Again, this strategy will not completely stop all international spam calls since it will only work if there are just one or a few numbers that continuously bother you and that you can simply block.
Read also: Where to Find Cheap Vegetables in Singapore?
Method 2: Trust your carrier to protect you
If blocking particular numbers does not work, it is time to seek assistance from your carrier. Some carriers provide their customers with alternatives for monitoring unwanted and suspicious calls, notably spam calls. If your carrier offers this service, they will undoubtedly work with you to remove those overseas spam calls.
If your carrier does not provide this service, you may still block individual numbers or robocalls on most carriers. For further information, call your carrier's support line or visit their online support website to receive a fuller understanding of your alternatives in relation to your complaint. This is one of the most secure methods of obtaining those international spam calls.
Method 3: Protect yourself with third-party apps
Some of the most well-known and trustworthy third-party applications in Singapore that can block unwanted and suspicious calls and texts include Messages and Phone by Google, Hiya, Calls Blacklist, and Call Control.
Protecting yourself with these third-party applications is also an excellent option for avoiding unwanted calls, particularly international spam calls.
Not only that, but there's an app called ScamShield that can prevent known scam calls from a list maintained by the National Crime Prevention Council and the police. This app is quite similar to the other third-party apps mentioned previously.
It does, however, have a unique function in that it employs an on-device algorithm to filter messages received to your phone number by unknown people right to your junk folder.
Method 4: When in doubt, block the number
This procedure is one of the easiest and safest ways to get rid of those foreign spam calls. It may appear absurd, but it is one of the most effective methods for blocking numbers on your phone, regardless of the type of device you own.
If you are not expecting any calls or messages from a foreign number, just block that number instead of answering it.
It is not only the most effective, but also the simplest solution. Too busy to call your carrier and express your concern? Or are you too lazy to continue blocking specific numbers?
If that's the case, and you're only getting a small number of foreign spam calls, it's far better to ignore them.
Why random international numbers are calling me
As previously stated, these random and unknown foreign numbers are nothing more than a one-ring scam.
That is, the caller's objective is to deceive you and make you believe that their missed call is an essential call, so you will be the one who calls again on the same number. It's the scammer's go-to strategy.
If you'll be receiving random international calls but aren't expecting someone to contact you from an overseas number, it's best not to answer and never call back.
It is always preferable to believe that the call is unimportant than to jeopardize your own safety. Always remember that if you notice a "+" prefix on the caller's number, it is an international call.
How do I stop international calls from unknown numbers?
Block Calls from Overseas - Spam Calls Singapore
Stopping or barring international calls from unknown numbers might vary depending on the device. The steps and methods for blocking international calls from unknown numbers are not difficult or complicated to apply on both Android and iOS smartphones.
For some Android smartphones, you can quickly configure your device to block all unknown numbers in Settings by navigating to Block numbers and then flip the button beneath Block unknown calls to green. Then you can stop receiving international calls from unknown numbers.
Meanwhile, Apple support has previously highlighted this problem for IOS devices, and IOS users may now quiet unknown callers or use a third-party program to stop spam calls on your IOS device. To enable Silence Unknown Callers, navigate to Settings, Phone, and then press Silence Unknown Callers to enable the feature. With this feature, you will never longer get calls from unknown numbers.
What happens if you answer a spam call?
If you answer a spam call, several things could happen:
- Scammers may try to obtain personal information: Some spam callers may try to obtain personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, or credit card information. They may use this information for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
- Scammers may try to sell you something: Some spam callers may try to sell you products or services that you don't need or want. They may use high-pressure sales tactics to try to get you to make a purchase.
- Scammers may try to get you to download malware: Some spam callers may try to get you to download malware onto your computer or device. They may claim that your device has a virus or other problem, and then provide a link for you to download software that will supposedly fix the problem. In reality, the software may be malware that will infect your device and steal your personal information.
- Scammers may try to get you to pay money: Some spam callers may try to get you to pay money for a product, service, or prize that you never received. They may claim that you owe money for a debt, or that you need to pay a fee to claim a prize or lottery winnings.
Overall, it's important to be cautious when answering spam calls. Don't provide personal information or money unless you are certain that the call is legitimate.
If you're unsure, hang up and call the company or organization directly using a phone number from their official website or other trusted source.
Can spam calls hack your phone?
Spam callers may use malicious software to try to collect personal data and gain access to the user's device. If a user downloads malicious files or responds to a suspicious caller, they can unknowingly become vulnerable to cyberattack or identity theft.
As a preventative measure, users should always be wary of incoming calls, avoid engaging with suspicious numbers, and install reputable security software on their device.
How do spam callers get your number?
Moreover, spam callers obtain telephone numbers from databases of contact information purchased from marketing companies, public listings, and surveys. Some malicious callers may obtain numbers from other malicious intrusions or data leaks.
To protect yourself from spam calls, we recommend keeping your personal contact information confidential and regularly checking your online account settings.
How can you prevent scamming?
Scams are really prevailing nowadays, but here are some steps we find so that you can safeguard yourself:
- Educate yourself: Learn about common scams and how they work. Stay informed about the latest scams and be aware of the warning signs.
- Be cautious: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unsolicited offers, requests for personal information, and high-pressure sales tactics.
- Verify information: Before giving out personal or financial information, verify the legitimacy of the person or organization you are dealing with. Check their credentials and do some research online.
- Protect your personal information: Keep your personal and financial information secure. Use strong passwords, be cautious about sharing personal information online, and check your credit report regularly.
- Report scams: If you suspect you have been scammed, report it to the Singapore Police Force. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to scams. By staying informed, being cautious, and protecting your personal information, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam.
Spam Calls Singapore
Being aware of this type of information is very important, especially given that we live in a modern and advanced technological era. We hope that this article was able to provide you with some important information and facts on the issue of spam calls in Singapore, for both youngsters and adults.
We are also delighted that the Info-communications Media Development Authority is collaborating with telecommunications businesses to guarantee that all network users in Singapore are no longer getting such international spam calls. What matters most is that they are striving to tackle this issue in modest increments, ensuring that every network user is protected from all of these scammers
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