Question from a reader:
Please help me urgently. I might have been scammed. I received a call from an international number, and they told me my service would be suspended in two hours, so I gave them my name and phone number. After hanging up, I researched and realized it was a scam. Should I hurry to change my phone number…?
Can someone please advise me?

Have You Been Scammed by an International Call? What You Need to Know

Hello everyone. Today, I want to talk about something a bit serious. Recently, I received a consultation from someone who might have been scammed after receiving an international call. They seem particularly anxious about having given out their name and phone number. Well, everyone has probably heard news about scams at least once. Among these, scams using international calls have been increasing year by year. Being in the entertainment industry, I constantly think about the risks of being deceived, but it’s still alarming when you actually encounter it. This time, I’d like to discuss how to handle such situations from a legal perspective.

The Reality of Scams and Their Tactics

First, let’s briefly touch on the tactics used in scams. Recent scams using international calls are very sophisticated. The caller will exploit your anxiety and pressure you by saying, “If you don’t act quickly, your service will be suspended.” For example, they might pretend to be from a utility company or tax authority, or claim to be a financial institution. I will provide specific advice on how we can deal with these tactics. First and foremost, stay calm. Acting in haste can often make things worse.

Risks of Giving Out Your Name and Phone Number

Now, the person asking the question mentioned that they gave out their name and phone number, which comes with several risks. First and foremost is the risk of “personal information leakage.” You might think it’s just a name and phone number, but when combined with other information, it could infringe on your privacy. Furthermore, there’s a possibility that scammers will contact you again using that information. I’ve had similar experiences in the past, where after giving out my name and phone number, I received another scam call. While thinking, “Oh, not again,” it’s important to remain vigilant.

Should You Change Your Phone Number?

Next, whether you should change your phone number depends on your judgment. If you still feel uneasy, changing it is one option. Especially if you have concerns about receiving similar calls in the future, it’s advisable to take action sooner rather than later. On the other hand, changing your phone number can be a hassle, and you’ll need to notify people around you, so it’s important to think carefully about it. Changing your number too frequently might also undermine the trust of those around you.

Legal Perspectives on How to Respond

Now, let’s consider how to respond from a legal perspective. If you have been scammed, it’s important to consult the police. Since scams are crimes, reporting your victimization could help prevent others from being victimized. Additionally, I recommend contacting your phone company. By informing them that you might be a victim of a scam, they may take measures to help you in the future. I’ve gone through such procedures in the past, and the phone company was surprisingly cooperative.

What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Information Leakage

After experiencing a scam, it’s a good opportunity to review how you manage your personal information. Here are some points to consider: 1. Do not disclose unnecessary personal information: While sharing information on social media can be fun, handle personal information carefully. 2. Set up two-factor authentication: Utilizing two-factor authentication can effectively enhance the security of your various accounts. 3. Ignore suspicious calls: It’s generally advisable not to answer calls from unknown numbers. 4. Regularly check your credit information: By regularly checking your credit information, you may be able to detect anomalies early.

In Conclusion

Scam tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated each year, but we must also become a bit smarter. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, it’s crucial to respond calmly and without panic. I hope the person who asked the question can act calmly without worry. If any problems arise, don’t hesitate to consult an expert. You don’t have to handle it all by yourself. Let’s remember that we have support available. I hope this blog can be of some help to you. I will continue to provide information to help you lead a safe life, so please stay tuned!