Imagine: your phone rings. The number starts with +44. You hesitate… but you answer. This seemingly trivial action can lead you down a dangerous path. In France, more and more people are receiving such calls. And it’s no coincidence. A new scam is rapidly spreading, disguised as easy money-making opportunities.
But behind this enticing facade, well-organized scammers are looking to drain your accounts. Why are these calls so frequent? And most importantly, how can you avoid falling into the trap? Here’s everything you need to know.
Where Do These Mysterious Calls Come From?
These strange calls starting with +44 don’t actually come from Great Britain. In reality, they are often scammers hiding behind these numbers. They use numbers that resemble those from a legitimate country, but they might be calling from far away places like Asia.
They utilize special phones, often prepaid, which conceal their true identity. This allows them to contact hundreds of people without being detected. These calls are highly organized.
They are not random occurrences. These data thieves know precisely who they are targeting. Their goal is straightforward: to ensnare individuals to steal their money. Unfortunately, this tactic is more effective than one might think.
A Well-Honed and Highly Persuasive Scam
When you answer these types of calls, you’re often met by a very friendly person. They talk to you about a simple job you can do from home, claiming you can earn money easily just by writing reviews or clicking on websites.
This sounds too good to be true… and it is. Soon, you’re asked to pay a small fee to access the tasks. At first, this may seem reasonable—you think it’s an investment.
But as you proceed, the demands for more money increase, and the promises of earnings become vague. These scammers are skilled at convincing you that you are on the verge of receiving a large sum. In truth, you will never see that money.
Why Responding Poses Significant Risks
Answering such calls can be very costly. It’s not merely a financial loss; it also brings immense stress. You feel deceived and sometimes even ashamed. The scammers can also attempt to guilt you into giving them more money.
They know how to manipulate people. When they sense doubt, they become more persistent, even calling multiple times a day. Over time, you may lose confidence. Thus, this seemingly innocent phone call can disrupt your peace of mind.
How to Effectively Protect Yourself Against Such Calls
To avoid falling into this trap, there’s a simple rule: never answer a number you do not recognize, particularly those coming from abroad. It’s better to let it ring or block the number.
Never give money to obtain an online job. Legitimate companies never require this. If you find yourself a victim, keep all evidence and report it to the authorities. The quicker you act, the better your chances of minimizing the damage.
