Unwanted international calls? Know how to safeguard yourself from scammers and avoid costly pitfalls

Have you been receiving an increasing number of calls from unknown international numbers? You are not the only one. There is a growing scam operation targeting individuals with enticing offers, such as fake job opportunities, lottery winnings, or free gifts.

In reality, these calls are not about rewards - they're an attempt to steal your personal information and potentially take control of your financial accounts or social media profiles.These scams are increasingly common, with phone numbers originating from countries like the United States, Iran, Oman, and others.

Though it might seem like a random occurrence, there's a pattern behind these calls that can put your security at risk. Here's what you need to keep in mind when dealing with unknown international phone numbers.Also read: iPhone lost at sea returned to owner using Apple's Medical ID feature for the first time – Here's howWhile not every call from an international number is a scam, many of them are.

In some cases, it could be a friend or relative calling from abroad, but most of the time, these numbers are used by scammers.

With the widespread availability of international SIM cards, including eSIMs, scammers can make it appear as though they're calling from another country, even when they are within your own region.Scammers use various methods to target you.