Suspicious calls are more than just a nuisance — they’re often the starting point for scams that can lead to identity theft or financial loss. Knowing how these calls work and how to respond can help you stay protected.

What happens when you answer a suspicious call?

Answering a suspicious or likely scam call doesn’t automatically put you at risk. However, it can signal that your number is active, which may lead to more unwanted calls or connect you directly with a scammer.

The real danger occurs if you:

  • Share personal or financial information
  • Follow instructions from the caller
  • Send money or grant account access

If you don’t engage or provide information, you’re generally safe.

Why robocalls are so common

Robocalls are one of the most common ways scammers reach potential victims. These calls use automated dialing systems to deliver pre-recorded messages to thousands — even millions — of people at once.

While some robocalls are legitimate (like appointment reminders or fraud alerts), many are used for scams. Their widespread use makes it harder to tell which calls are trustworthy.

This is especially relevant locally. St. Louis ranks among the top 10 U.S. cities for robocalls, with an average of 1,527 calls per person last year (about 4.2 calls every day), according to analysis of Federal Trade Commission reports by All About Cookies, an informational website.

How scam calls work

Scam calls are designed to get you talking. Once engaged, scammers use tactics to pressure or manipulate you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Common goals include:

  • Collecting personal details (like Social Security or account numbers)
  • Gaining access to online or financial accounts
  • Convincing you to send money under false pretenses

Even a short interaction can increase the likelihood of future scam attempts.

Red flags of scam calls

Recognizing the warning signs is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Be cautious if a caller:

  • Impersonates a trusted organization (a financial institution, government agency, or business)
  • Uses urgent or high-pressure language
  • Asks you to confirm personal or account information
  • Requests payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or unusual methods
  • Becomes aggressive or threatens consequences
  • Claims an emergency situation requiring immediate action
  • Appears as “Spam Risk” or “Scam Likely” on caller ID

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

How to protect yourself from phone scams

The best defense is simple and proactive:

  • Don’t engage with suspicious or unknown callers
  • Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call
  • Hang up immediately if something doesn’t feel right
  • Block and report suspicious numbers
  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number — not the one provided by the caller.

Bottom line

Spam and scam calls — including robocalls, spoofing, and impersonation attempts — are designed to trick you into taking action. The less you engage, the better protected you are.

When in doubt: don’t answer, don’t engage, and hang up.