Articles

How scammers, spammers, and robocallers operate — and what to do about it.

Reference

How to identify a phone operator by number

The first digits of a phone number aren't just a city code. Here's how to read them to find out which carrier and region are behind an unfamiliar call.

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Fraud

How caller ID spoofing works

Your screen shows your bank or a relative's number, but a scammer is on the other end. Here's how caller ID gets faked — and why it's still possible.

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Fraud

What a one-ring call and instant hang-up means

Your phone rings once or twice and goes silent. Here's what's usually behind it, and why calling back isn't always safe.

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Security

Is it safe to call back an unknown number?

A missed call from an unfamiliar number — call back or not? Here's when it's safe, and when it can turn into an expensive bill.

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How-to

How to block a number on Android

A step-by-step guide to blocking an annoying or suspicious number on an Android phone — from the Phone app and from settings.

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How-to

How to block a number on iPhone

A step-by-step guide to blocking an unwanted number on iPhone — from calls, messages, and settings.

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Fraud

Phone scams: common types and how to spot them

From fake bank employees to fake couriers — here are the most common phone scam scripts and how to recognize them before it's too late.

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Fraud

Bank phone calls: how to tell real from fake

A call "from the bank" about a suspicious transaction is one of the most common scam scripts. Here's how a real bank call differs from a fraudulent one.

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Fraud

Robocalls: what they are and how to stop them

A recorded voice instead of a human, a prompt to "press 1," or silence after you pick up — here's what robocalls are and how to cut down on them.

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Reference

International phone codes: how to read a number starting with +

An unfamiliar country code before a number — reason to worry, or just a call from abroad? Here's how international phone codes work.

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