What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call

Unknown calls happen to everyone. Most are harmless — wrong numbers, surveys, or legitimate businesses. But some are scams. Here's how to handle them like a pro.

Step 1: Don't Panic

Scammers rely on shock and urgency. Take a breath. Nothing a scammer says requires an immediate response.

Step 2: Listen Without Committing

• Don't confirm your name, address, or account details
• Don't say "yes" to recorded questions (scammers can use voice clips)
• Don't press any buttons to "opt out" — this confirms your number is active
• Let them talk; the more they say, the more they reveal

Step 3: Ask Identifying Questions

Legitimate callers can answer:

• "Which department are you calling from?"
• "What is my customer reference number?"
• "Can I call you back on the official number?"

Scammers will deflect, get angry, or hang up.

Step 4: Hang Up

If anything feels wrong, just hang up. You are under no obligation to be polite to a stranger.

Step 5: Verify Independently

If the caller claimed to be from your bank, a government agency, or a company:

1. Find the official number on the institution's website or your card
2. Call them directly and ask if they contacted you
3. Confirm the details of what the caller claimed

Never use a number provided by the caller themselves.

Step 6: Look Up the Number

Go to NigeriaPhoneBook and search the number. You'll see:

• Whether others have reported it as a scam
• Community comments and experiences
• The network operator

Step 7: Report the Number

If the call was suspicious:

1. Report on NigeriaPhoneBook — help protect the community
2. Report to your telco — MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9Mobile have fraud reporting lines
3. Report to the EFCC if money was involved
4. Report to NCC for telecom-related issues

Step 8: Block the Number

Once you've reported, block the number on your phone to prevent further contact.

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

"This is your bank — your account has been compromised."
→ Hang up. Call your bank using the number on your ATM card.

"You've won a prize in a promotion you didn't enter."
→ Hang up. You can't win what you didn't enter.

"Your relative has been in an accident. Send money now."
→ Call your relative directly. Verify before sending anything.

"You have a package waiting. Pay the delivery fee."
→ Contact the shipping company through their official website.

Remember

Scammers are skilled manipulators. Even smart, educated people fall for their tricks. The best defense is a simple rule: never make financial decisions based on a phone call you didn't initiate.