Keep an Eye on Germany's December Spam List to Protect Yourself
In the latest news, the German spam list for December reveals the most bothersome numbers to avoid. Hamburg and Berlin have been plagued by spam calls in recent months. However, this time, it's the UK taking the top spot.
The fine folks at Clever Dialer, known for their clever app, have shared some eye-opening insights. German citizens have reported experiencing "massive phone terrorism" and rude calls.
Detect and Avoid Spam Calls in Germany
Clever Dialer's app is a lifesaver for detecting and warding off unwanted calls. They published the most problematic numbers each month, helping ordinary people stay safe.
In this month's list, one German number even made it to the top 5 most annoying calls. This Frankfurt area code number was reported as a scammer's paradise.
Taming the Scammers: Uncovering the Data
Turns out, scammers utilize a variety of strategies to obtain sensitive data. In December, 68% of the registered calls came from landlines, and 32% from mobile networks.
The Top 5 Harassing Numbers for December were:
- +447851397260;
- +447707527817;
- +447565591602;
- 069957996610;
- +447762383547.
Be proactive, and block these numbers immediately. You can easily add numbers to your phone's blacklist using your smartphone's built-in features.
Scammer Warning Signs
It's vital to keep your personal information secure. If you receive an unwanted call from an unknown number, don't engage. Avoid discussing any sensitive information, such as your address, account numbers, or passwords.
Block the number and hang up immediately. Under no circumstances should you provide personal information over the phone.
Proven Ways to Protect Yourself
- Identify Common Scam Numbers: Utilize online resources, apps, and websites like Truecaller, Scammer Info, and Reddit's /r/ScamNumbers for reporting and sharing suspicious numbers.
- Use Caller ID Features: Leverage your carrier service's features, such as Verizon's "Potential Spam" labels or AT&T's "Scam Likely" and "Potential Fraud."
- Block Specific Numbers: On Android, long-press a scam number, and select Block/report spam to flag it as spam and block the number. On iOS, tap the blue icon with a lowercase letter “i” and select Block Caller and Block Contact.
- Download Call-Blocking Apps: Apps like Hiya, Robokiller, and T-Mobile Scam Shield can filter potential scam calls.
- Silence Unknown Callers: Toggle on Block Unknown Callers on Android or Silence Unknown Callers on iOS.
- Join the Do Not Call Registry: Regularly checking for updates is key to staying protected.
Stay informed and protect yourself from unwanted calls by following these guidelines. Happy, scam-free calling!
