Phone calls from Europol/"Europol"

[popotla 11]

I've received several calls from someone claiming to be at Europol saying that my German foreigner ID/residency number has been misused. When I answer, it's a recorded voice saying "Press 1 for more information". On the occasion of the first call I did this, the person then hung up when I asked how I could know who they were. The other time I pressed !, said I had received this call, and the person just hung up.

 

Have others received similar calls?

[popotla 11]

I posted first, then searched the forum. Should have searched first, I know. As I assumed, it's a scam.

[GoBike 140]

Yes in English as well.  Oh 999 how did you know it was me :-). I blocked the number.

[HEM 11,079]

A few minutes ago I got a call on my mobile from 0170 1895144 which started off with an obviously recorded message (female speaker) claiming to be from Europol at which point I stopped the call.  That number is probably a spoof number.

[razorsandroses 430]

I'm getting SLAMMED with these phone calls myself, sometimes every 10 minutes! Someone needs to look into this! I don't want to have to change my number because I've been using it for the past 14 years and it's tied to EVERYTHING relating to me--password recovery, security verification, and all that!

[JG52 1,022]

It's been a long time since I set up my iPhone, but there is a way to restrict calls to only those in the contact list.  I would be surprised if other phones do not have this feature.

[keith2011 2,579]

12 hours ago, JG52 said:

It's been a long time since I set up my iPhone, but there is a way to restrict calls to only those in the contact list.  I would be surprised if other phones do not have this feature.

 

From a general viewpoint that can be very risky, calls from unknown numbers are not always scams. For example, yesterday I got a call from a number not on my contact list, it was from a doctor at the hospital informing me my mother has been admitted after a fall.

[JG52 1,022]

2 hours ago, keith2011 said:

 

From a general viewpoint that can be very risky, calls from unknown numbers are not always scams. For example, yesterday I got a call from a number not on my contact list, it was from a doctor at the hospital informing me my mother has been admitted after a fall.

 

As with most choices, the benefits must be compared to the risks.  I'm comfortable with my choice.

[tor 16,897]

if it's important, they leave a message. 

 

[RedMidge 6,638]

Only answer if I recognise the caller- all family and friends  listed in contacts.  If they do not leave a message, then I do presume it is not for me. 

Easy to block numbers, or add new numbers. But, not a good move to press 1 as scammers say!

[Metall 14,514]

On 7/2/2022, 9:43:39, keith2011 said:

From a general viewpoint that can be very risky, calls from unknown numbers are not always scams. For example, yesterday I got a call from a number not on my contact list, it was from a doctor at the hospital informing me my mother has been admitted after a fall.

 

On 7/2/2022, 11:46:23, JG52 said:

As with most choices, the benefits must be compared to the risks.  I'm comfortable with my choice.

 

I have a similar policy of screening calls. I've had doctors and hospitals call me, and they always left a message! Simple!

[Metall 14,514]

20 hours ago, RedMidge said:

 

Easy to block numbers, or add new numbers. But, not a good move to press 1 as scammers say!

 

Pressing 1 tells the scammer your number is good because  a live person did something! Increase the resale value of your number, and you'll get even more calls.

[Janx Spirit 11,078]

I silence unknown numbers then check on https://www.werruft.info/ and block them as needed.