Updated on November 26, 2024 – 2:03 p.mReading time: 2 min.
116 116 is an important number if you want to have your bank card blocked after a loss. But if the number appears on the phone, alarm bells should ring.
Do you know the number 116 116? Anyone who loses a bank, credit or checking card can and should have it blocked immediately using the blocking emergency call. But be careful: the blocking emergency number never calls. If the 116 116 does appear on the display, it is an attempted fraud.
Telephone fraudsters are currently posing as employees of the blocked emergency number, warns Sandra Königstein, CEO of the blocked emergency number 116 116. With the help of so-called call ID spoofing, the actually trustworthy number 116 116 is shown on the telephone display of the person being called. The fraudsters use a method to make calls to a fake number.
Criminals try to gain access to sensitive data such as account numbers, PINs or TANs. They are often very convincing in conversation. In addition, they try to put the callers under stress by claiming, for example, that the account has been hacked or that there has been unauthorized access. Under this pretext, the callers then push for, for example, a comparison of account details.
To protect yourself from such attempted fraud, the emergency blocking call has a few rules:
What are the signs that a call may be a spoofing scam?
Time.news Interview: Understanding Call ID Spoofing and Emerging Scam Trends
Interviewer: Julia Hart, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Samuel Klein, Cybersecurity Analyst
Julia Hart: Good afternoon, Dr. Klein. Thank you for joining us today to discuss a critical issue affecting many people—call ID spoofing and the recent scam involving the emergency number 116 116.
Dr. Samuel Klein: Good afternoon, Julia. It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about such an important topic.
Julia Hart: Let’s dive right in. Can you explain to our readers what call ID spoofing is, and how it’s being used in scams today?
Dr. Samuel Klein: Certainly. Call ID spoofing is a technique used by scammers to falsify the number that appears on a recipient’s caller ID. In this particular case, they’re using a trusted number—116 116, which is the number for blocking bank cards—leaving victims with a false sense of security. When you see a familiar or reputable number, you’re more likely to answer the call and engage with the scammer.
Julia Hart: That’s alarming! Why is the number 116 116 specifically attractive to scammers?
Dr. Samuel Klein: The number serves a critical function for many individuals. It’s associated with urgent financial needs, like blocking a lost or stolen bank card. By spoofing this number, scammers can exploit people’s urgency and fear, convincing them that they are genuinely protecting themselves or their finances, when in reality, they are handing over sensitive information.
Julia Hart: What kinds of techniques do these scammers use during the call?
Dr. Samuel Klein: Scammers often present themselves as representatives from a bank or a financial institution. They might claim there have been unauthorized transactions and request personal information to “verify” the user’s identity. Many are well-spoken and persuasive, which increases their effectiveness. This psychological game relies on creating urgency and anxiety in the victim.
Julia Hart: What should individuals do if they receive a call from 116 116, or any unknown number, that seems suspicious?
Dr. Samuel Klein: First and foremost, never share personal information over the phone if you’re uncertain about the caller’s identity. Hang up and try to independently verify the caller’s legitimacy by contacting your bank directly through a known number. Also, consider enabling call-blocking features or apps that can help screen these kinds of calls.
Julia Hart: Are there any recent trends in scams that people should be aware of?
Dr. Samuel Klein: Yes, scams have been diversifying and becoming more sophisticated. Beyond call ID spoofing, we’re seeing an increase in text message phishing, or “smishing,” where scammers send fraudulent messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. It’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about these evolving tactics to safeguard their personal information.
Julia Hart: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for shedding light on such a vital issue. What final advice would you give to our readers regarding scams like this?
Dr. Samuel Klein: Stay vigilant and skeptical. Always double-check if something feels off, and educate your friends and family about the tactics used by scammers. The more people are aware, the less they can be exploited. Prevention is key when navigating this increasingly digital world.
Julia Hart: Wise words, Dr. Klein. Thank you again for your insights today.
Dr. Samuel Klein: Thank you for having me, Julia. Stay safe out there!
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This insightful discussion highlights the importance of being aware of potentially deceptive tactics while also empowering readers with practical strategies for staying safe in an increasingly digital landscape.