Telephone scams are on the rise, and criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to scam you. One of the main tips for protection — carefully check the numbers from which calls are coming.
About what signs may indicate fraudulent activity, writes TSN.
What numbers in the number indicate fraudsters
Numbers with unfamiliar country codes
The first digits after the “+” sign indicate the country code. In Ukraine, it is +380, and, for example, in Germany, it is +49. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar international number, you should be careful. Fraudsters often use numbers from other countries to mislead people.
Kyiv landline numbers
Calls with the code +380 (44), belonging to Kyiv landline numbers, have recently been frequently used by spammers. If you do not have connections in the capital, such a call may be undesirable.
Codes of Ukrainian mobile operators
Ukrainian mobile operators have officially assigned codes:
- Kyivstar — +380 67, +380 68, +380 96, +380 97, +380 98, +380 77.
- Vodafone — +380 50, +380 66, +380 95, +380 99, +380 75.
- Lifecell — +380 63, +380 73, +380 93.
If you get a call from a number with an unusual code, you should think about whether it is safe to answer.
Short numbers
Short numbers are often used by banks, mobile operators, or large companies. However, scammers can also disguise themselves as such numbers. If you are not expecting a call from a specific organization, it is better not to answer.
Calls via instant messengers
Instant messengers such as Viber or Telegram often become tools for scammers. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, especially without an explanation in a text message, it is better not to answer.