Q&A: Should I answer a call to my smartphone if it’s an Unknown number?

Woman getting a call from an unknown number.

To Accept or Decline? Here are a few reasons it's generally a bad idea to answer a call from an unknown number. Plus, when to make an exception.


 

Question: It feels like I get mystery calls on my smartphone every day. Should I answer a call if it’s an Unknown number? 

Answer: Getting a surprise call from an "unknown number" can spark worry and also curiosity. Is the call coming from a scammer? My doctor? The state lottery commission? (Just kidding! That one would be a scam.) 

Even if you really want to know who's calling, don't answer. Note: If there's a special situation — for example, you're awaiting news about a loved one who's sick — you'll get a heads-up to expect a call from an unknown number. In that case, of course, take the call. If the caller turns out to be a scammer, hang up right away. 

Here are a few reasons it's generally a bad idea to answer a call from an unknown number: 

  • If the caller is a robocaller, scammer, telemarketer, or pollster, you're tipping them off that they've reached a working number. That could make you a future target for more calls and even get your number sold to others. 
  • If you answer a call from a criminal and speak to them, they may record your voice. They could use it to steal your identity to open an account or show that you “agreed” to pay for a big purchase. 
  • The caller could pose as a bank, charity, or other legitimate caller, steal your personal info and scam you out of thousands of dollars or more. Just check out this Federal Trade Commission list of common telephone scams, from “free trial” scams to lottery scams to timeshare scams. 

The bottom line: Unless you're expecting an important call from an unidentified number, don't answer. A legitimate caller who needs to reach you will leave a message. Just make sure there's room for it in your voicemail box.

Norton™ 360 for Mobile

Powerful protection for your mobile device and online privacy – plus Dark Web Monitoring Powered by LifeLock™.

It’s more important than ever to make sure your mobile devices are secure and your personal information stays private. Norton 360 for Mobile helps deliver powerful, proactive protection for your device and personal information against stealthy cyberthreats and online scams.

Allie Johnson
  • Allie Johnson
  • Freelance Writer
Allie Johnson is a freelance journalist who covers cybersecurity, privacy, and consumer topics. She has written for Bankrate, CreditCards.com, and Discover.

Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc. 

Contents

    Want more?

    Follow us for all the latest news, tips and updates.