We’ve probably all been the victim, at least once in our lives, of some mysterious calls: unknown numbers that don’t answer when you pick up the device or hang up after a few seconds. Often, we think it’s just a mistake. Because, of course, anyone can dial the wrong number by accident. But what if it wasn’t? If these calls were well thought out and had a specific purpose. Always be careful, as these “silent calls” can cause you serious trouble. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Call Center

Why do we receive silent calls?

There’s a specific reason silent calls exist. In general, this ploy is used by different call centers for purely commercial purposes to save time. Their technique is to use automatic systems that generate more calls than the number of operators available at that time. Since they cannot manage several clients at the same time, the call remains silent. Once the operators are available again, they then focus on the previous calls that the system has recorded.

Unfortunately, in recent weeks, many such calls have been reported to the Data Protection Authority. The complaints stem from alarming consequences: it turns out that multiple silent calls have evoked various worrisome emotions in some people, such as anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety, agitation, stress and fear for their own safety. This cocktail of emotions proves that these calls can be dangerous for people’s mental health.

Unknown call

In France, the law protecting against silent calls is Law No. 2014-344 of 17 March 2014 on consumption. This law prohibits silent calls and provides criminal penalties for those who make them. It also protects consumers from other types of deceptive marketing practices, such as aggressive door-to-door sales or misleading offers of telephone or internet services.

Here are some tips to avoid silent calls:

  1. Use a call blocker app: There are many free apps that can help you block unwanted calls, including silent calls.
  2. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers: If you do not recognize the number that appears on your phone, it is better not to answer the call.
  3. Don’t give your phone number to people or companies you don’t know: this can protect you from unwanted calls, including silent calls.
  4. If you receive silent calls despite your efforts to avoid them, you can report these calls to the DGCCRF or ARCEP. These agencies can investigate these calls and take steps to protect consumers from these practices.

There is also an app to know exactly who is calling you and it’s called “truecaller”. If you download it, it will help you better filter out unwanted calls that you don’t want to answer. This will especially allow you to escape some scammers who try to deceive you by activating various payment services at your expense.

  1. Use a phone call blocker app. There are many free options on Google Play Store, like “Truecaller” or “Mr. Number”, which can help you identify and block unwanted calls.
  2. Enable the unwanted call blocking feature built into your device. On most recent Android devices, you can enable this feature by going to “Settings” then selecting “Security & Privacy” and finally “Unwanted Call Blocking”.
  3. Block individual phone numbers. If you receive an unwanted call from a particular number, you canBlock it by adding this number to your block list.
  4. Do not answer calls or messages from unknown numbers. If you don’t recognize the number that appears on your incoming call, it’s best not to answer. If you receive a text message from a number you don’t know, ignore it.
  5. Watch out for phishing calls or phone scams. Some unscrupulous people may try to trick you into calling you and posing as a legitimate company or government official. Be vigilant and never give your personal or financial information to people you don’t know.
  1. Use the “Call Blocking” app built into your device. This app allows you to block individual phone numbers or unwanted call types, like anonymous calls or voicemail calls. To enable it, go to “Settings” and select “Phone”, then “Call Blocking”.
  2. Install a phone call blocker app. There are many free options on the App Store, like “Truecaller” or “Hiya”, which can help you identify and block unwanted calls.
  3. Block individual phone numbers. If you receive an unwanted call from a particular number, you can block it by adding that number to your block list.
  4. Do not answer calls or messages from unknown numbers. If you don’t recognize the number that appears on your incoming call, it’s best not to answer. If you receive a text message from a number you don’t know, ignore it.
  5. Watch out for phishing calls or phone scams. Some unscrupulous people may try to trick you into calling you and pretending to be a well-known company. Be vigilant and never give your personal or financial information to people you don’t know.

See also The phone rings but no one answers? Here’s how to combat “silent calls” and how to protect yourself