27 Sep What happens if we call back a spam caller?

Q. If we receive a possible spam call and miss the call, if we call the number back, do they now have an advantage? Should we not call back?
— Concerned

A. Why would you want to call back?

If you call back a spam number, it’s possible you’ll end up the target of that caller’s scheme. Or, at least, they’ll try.

Experts have said that answering such calls — or returning the call — will tell the scammer’s system that they’ve reached a number with a real person on the other line, so yes, it gives them the advantage of knowing your number leads to someone they can try to target.

Just don’t call back. If it’s a legit caller, they will try you again, and they will probably leave a message.

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This story was originally published in September 2024.

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