In recent months, telephone fraud has been on the rise, with scammers employing increasingly deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into financial traps. One of the most common schemes involves fake lotteries or contests where fraudsters promise large cash prizes. According to a report from Clever Dialer, a service that helps identify and block fraudulent calls, many victims have fallen for these scams, which often involve promises of delivering large sums of money directly to their homes.
The Clever Dialer App: Your First Line of Defense
To help combat these scams, Clever Dialer offers an app (“cleverdialer.app”) that identifies and blocks spam calls. The app also publishes a monthly list of the most frequently reported fraudulent numbers, helping users stay one step ahead of scammers.
Top Reported Scam Numbers
This month, the list is led by a German mobile phone number, which has already been blocked more than 500 times by other users. According to reports, one common tactic involves trying to elicit a simple “yes” from the victim, a trick often used in cost traps. Once the victim says “yes,” scammers can use that recording to claim that the person agreed to charges or purchases they never made.
Additionally, spam calls from the Netherlands have been reported to occur several times a week, at all hours of the day. The persistent nature of these calls only adds to the concern surrounding these fraudulent schemes.
Fraudulent Cash Delivery Promises
One particularly bold scam involves callers offering to deliver €39,000 in cash. However, before receiving the money, victims are told they must first pay a €900 fee. This is a clear red flag, as legitimate winnings do not require upfront payments. Another similar scam involves fraudsters offering a “project protection package” for €45 before allegedly paying out the winnings, a tactic aimed at adding an air of legitimacy to the con.
Numbers to Block Immediately
According to Clever Dialer, here are the phone numbers currently used by scammers that you should block immediately:
- 01521 9225837 (Germany)
- +31 6 44906164 (Netherlands)
- 01521 9466469 (Germany)
- +31 6 49434471 (Netherlands)
- 01525 8300453 (Germany)
Stay Alert and Protect Yourself
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and it’s essential to remain vigilant when receiving calls from unknown numbers. Always be skeptical of callers offering large sums of money, especially if they ask for upfront payments or try to pressure you into saying “yes.” By using tools like the Clever Dialer app, you can protect yourself from these fraudulent schemes and avoid falling victim to phone scams.
