Question from a reader:
I am worried about scams that use voicemail recordings. What kind of damage can occur if I follow the voice prompts and enter numbers on the keypad? Also, is there any problem just by playing the voice? I would appreciate your guidance. Thank you.

The Dangers of Scams Exploiting Voicemail

Recently, I’ve heard that scams utilizing voicemail recordings
are on the rise. In particular, it seems that many cases involve being prompted to enter numbers on the keypad following voice instructions. What dangers might be lurking in this? As someone majoring in psychology, I would like to reflect on this issue.

The Mechanism of Scams

First, it is important to understand the basic mechanism of scams. Scammers leave recorded messages on voicemail, prompting specific actions. For example, a message might say, “There has been unauthorized access to your account. Please enter your number on the keypad immediately.” Such messages induce anxiety in the recipient and employ psychological techniques to encourage quick action. I myself have received suspicious voicemails in the past. At that time, I realized that the urgency of “I must respond immediately” can hinder calm judgment. Scammers cleverly exploit this psychology.

The Risks of Entering Numbers on the Keypad Following Voice Prompts

Now, let’s consider the potential damages that could arise from entering numbers on the keypad as instructed by the voice prompts.

1. Leakage of Personal Information

The most serious damage is the leakage of personal information. If you enter your number or other personal information into a system set up by a scammer, it could end up in the hands of third parties. Particularly, information related to financial institutions or credit cards can lead to significant losses if misused.

2. Risk of Fraudulent Charges

If personal information is leaked, scammers may use that information to commit fraudulent charges. For example, your name, address, and phone number could be misused, leading to unexpected credit card bills. If you realize this too late, it could result in irreversible consequences.

3. Decrease in Social Credibility

Being caught up in such scams can also raise concerns about a decrease in social credibility. For instance, when reporting unauthorized use to a financial institution, you might feel guilty, asking yourself, “How could I fall for such a simple scam?” However, scammers are very clever, and anyone can fall victim. This is why it is crucial to respond calmly.

Are There Issues Just from Playing the Voice?

Next, let’s consider the situation where you only play the voice. Many people might think, “It should be fine if I just play it.” However, this cannot be said universally.

1. Induction to Phishing Scams

By playing the voice, scammers may be able to confirm your phone number. This could make you a target for future attacks. Particularly, if voicemail or answering machine systems are exploited, the risk of being used for phishing scams to gather your information increases.

2. Triggers for Further Attacks

Additionally, playing the voice could serve as a trigger for scammers to launch further attacks. For example, they might call you directly next, trying to extract more information. If such a chain reaction occurs, your information becomes increasingly endangered.

Countermeasures and Precautions

To avoid falling victim to such voicemail scams, several countermeasures can be considered.

1. Pay Attention to Suspicious Messages

First, it is essential to pay attention to suspicious messages. Messages that urge you to “act now” should be treated with particular caution. It is advisable to think calmly and consult an expert if necessary.

2. Deepen Your Knowledge

Next, it is important to deepen your knowledge about scam tactics. By learning about actual past scam cases and understanding their methods, you can make more rational judgments. Psychologically, this contributes to enhancing your “self-efficacy.”

3. Verify Contact Information

Moreover, it is crucial to verify the contact information provided in the voicemail message. If it is a legitimate communication from an official organization, you can directly contact them through their official website to verify its authenticity.

Conclusion

Scams that use voicemail recordings employ clever tactics and pose a risk of significant damage without your knowledge. Understanding the dangers of entering numbers on the keypad as instructed by voice prompts and the potential risks of merely playing the voice is essential for maintaining calm judgment. Since scammers are constantly evolving, it is necessary to keep your knowledge and countermeasures updated to protect yourself. I personally try to stay vigilant, but I sometimes feel anxious about the possibility of falling for a scam by mistake. However, I believe that having such concerns is an important first step. Scams exist close to us, so let’s work together to find countermeasures.