Repeated, frequent calls to my cell - What’s the scam?
 

Starting about 2 months ago I started getting calls to my cell phone from a restricted number (no number displayed). I rarely pick up, but sometimes I do and there has never been a sound at the other end. Generally the calls come in groups of 8 to 10 and repeat every few minutes, ranging from 5 to 35 minutes apart. They happen at all hours, but generally stick to non sleep times.

It appears someone is gathering data on my phone, but to what end? Is someone trying to gather intel on my daily habits or is it more sinister like someone trying to hack my passwords? Anyone else going through this?

Actually sounds more like a Telco, or Robo-call malfunction.

Can you just block the number? Even if it doesn't show a number when it rings you should be able to go into your call history and block the number (assuming it's not a different number each time)

I too get these calls usually from western PA, then from everywhere. I rarely answer. I have blocked one number that still calls,usually once a week. If they want me they leave a message, then I respond.my 2cts.

Have not been able to identify the number(s) yet. It only shows “restricted”, so not easy to block. Maybe there’s some other way to see the number but call history isn’t it. Maybe it’s a robo call malfunction but it feels like a DOS or phishing attack. 10 calls in a row over a few hours, several minutes apart feels off.

If it’s a number you don’t recognize just don’t answer it. I have a business line but my work is for large companies so I don’t get customers calling all the time. If the number is not locked in my phone it doesn’t get answered that’s what voice mail is for. I can get 10 calls a week and the numbers will be the same except for the last number or two will change. I have been getting one for a few weeks now wanting to loan me and I’m pre approved for $74,000 just call back that message has been left over and over it’s a woman’s voice but definitely a robo call.

If you have an I phone, there’s a setting for unknown callers. Done.

Would be happy to block the calls if that was an option on my Droid, but you need to see the number to block it. I don’t see an option to block “any” restricted calls. And no I don’t answer, so it’s not a big deal.

My general question is “why” is someone putting forth the effort to begin with? What benefit offsets their labor to engage in this activity? What are they trying to accomplish?

I would be willing to bet they are political calls.

I've had the same thing happen. Sometimes I answer an unknown caller if I'm waiting for a requested call-back and I've had a couple calls from the dead zone in the last few months.

Maybe they are just robo-calling to verify the number is a good one and somehow selling it as a "verified" list of numbers that someone might answer?

Well, since they never speak on the random times I do answer or the VM picks up, they are not very effective.

But do you need to call every 6 or 10 minutes for a 3 hour stretch to verify the number is good? Seems like you could verify with one call - why do 15 per day?

Do the repeats continue if you answer or does answering end it?

I generally answer any unknown number if I get 2 calls in a short time. Doesn't always end well, but if someone needed to get ahold of me, this is what I'd expect from them, so I answer.

The string of calls will continue even if I answer and speak, VM picks up, or I activate the screen function.

There is ample evidence my number is active, yet the calls continue.

And to KS - I appreciate the “nuclear option” of rejecting all calls unless in my contacts, but there are plenty of first time calls I need to take.

Non Apples are junk. I’d never buy one,

You can also choose to reject calls that don't id numbers then choose to answer or not.
That's what I do.

I have no clue what they are after. Agree it doesn't make sense to keep calling but the world of robot communication is apparently effective enough to drive a lot of it...

Hope you figure it out and don't have to worry.