By Alec Cudworth

Have you ever received a call from a withheld number in the middle of the night, only to answer and hear silence, a robotic voice, or a suspicious request? 

If so, you might have been the target of a potential scam. Fraudulent calls late at night into early morning hours, I suspect (if not already) are going to become an increasingly common tactic used by scammers and cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals when they are least alert. 

In this blog, well explore why scammers use withheld numbers, the risks involved, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

Why Scammers Use Withheld Numbers at Night

Fraudsters often choose the late-night hours for their scams because people are more vulnerable during this time. 

• Sleep Confusion: When woken up abruptly, you might answer the phone without thinking, making it easier for scammers to manipulate you.
• Fear Tactics: Calls in the early hours often create panic, leading people to believe an emergency has occurred involving a loved one.
• Reduced Awareness: You are less likely to verify the legitimacy of a call when you are groggy or half-asleep.
• Fewer Witnesses: Late-night calls mean fewer chances of discussing the situation with someone who could warn you it’s a scam.

Common Late-Night Phone Scams

Here are some of the most prevalent scams associated with withheld numbers during these early morning hours:

Fake Emergency Calls

Scammers may pose as police officers, hospital staff, or other authorities claiming that a loved one is in trouble and needs money immediately for example bail or medical procedures not covered on the NHS. They pressure victims into providing sensitive details or making urgent payments.

How to Avoid It: Always verify the caller’s identity by contacting the supposed organisation directly through official channels.

Bank or Payment Fraud Scams

You may receive a call claiming that your bank account has been compromised or that a large transaction has been flagged. The scammer will then ask for your banking details or request you to transfer money to a safe account.

How to Avoid It: Banks never call late at night demanding urgent action. Hang up and contact your bank using the number on their official website.

Robocalls and Voicemail Scams

Automated messages may claim you owe taxes, have a pending legal case, or need to confirm personal details for security reasons. These calls often direct you to press a button or call a fraudulent number.

How to Avoid It: Never interact with robocalls. If a message claims to be from an official institution, verify the claim independently.

One-Ring Call Scams

Sometimes, you might receive a missed call from a number you don’t recognise or an international number. If you call back, you could be charged premium rates or fall into a scam trap where fraudsters attempt to extract information from you.

How to Avoid It: If you don’t recognise the number, don’t call back. If it’s important, they will leave a message.

Protecting Yourself from Withheld Number Scams

• Let Unknown Calls Go to Voicemail: If it’s urgent, the caller will leave a message.
• Enable Call Blocking: Many smartphones allow you to block unknown or withheld numbers.
• Be Skeptical of Late-Night Calls: If someone claims to be from an official organisation, verify their identity before taking any action.
• Avoid Giving Personal Information: Never share banking details, passwords, or personal data over the phone.
• Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a scam call, report it to your phone provider and relevant authorities.

Final Thoughts

Scammers rely on catching you off guard, and there’s no better time than late at night when your defences are down. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling into their trap. The next time a withheld number calls, think twice before answering, you might just avoid a short term headache. 

This linked to the National Cyber Security Centre helps you should the unfortunate happen- Report a scam phone call – NCSC.GOV.UK