International Robocall Surge: Why Millions Are Suddenly Getting Missed Calls from 97 Codes
Preventing direct financial exposure requires adjusting device settings and applying carrier protections before answering or dialing back unknown numbers.
- Never Return Missed Calls from Unknown Foreign Prefixes: If a business contact or associate calls from abroad, they will leave a voicemail, send an SMS, or ping your work channels. A dropped ring without an accompanying message is universally spam.
- Activate Native Operating System Filters: On Apple iOS, navigate to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. On Android devices, open the Phone app, tap the three dots, select Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and toggle Filter Spam Calls.
- Enroll in Carrier-Level Network Scrubbing: Major mobile network operators offer free security apps (such as AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield) that identify and intercept non-authenticated overseas routing at the network core.
- Restrict International Dialing on Consumer Accounts: Contact your cellular provider and request an outbound international dialing block on lines that have no regular need to call abroad. This ensures that even an accidental pocket dial cannot establish a connection to a premium rate toll number.
- Review Cellular Bills for Unexplained Interconnect Fees: Check itemized service invoices for charges labeled "Third-Party Billing," "International Toll Service," or unknown premium access lines. Contest fraudulent connection billings within 60 days of issue.
Tags:
