'Silent Call' Becomes New Scam Tactic, What Is It?

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Have you ever received a mysterious phone call that, when answered, produces no sound? Be cautious, as it could be part of the latest digital scam tactic. The “silent call” phenomenon is now widespread and serves as a gateway to various cybercrimes.

A computer science expert from IPB University, Dr Heru Sukoco, reminds the public not to respond to such calls. He emphasises the key principle: ignore them and do not call back.

“Do not answer, do not call back, block and ignore because such calls are the initial stage of phone-based scams,” said Heru in a written statement, quoted on Thursday (16/4/2026).

The “silent call” phenomenon itself is identified as part of social engineering or scams that are on the rise. These calls are usually silent or disconnect after a few seconds. Their purposes vary, from checking if a number is active, luring victims to call back, to gathering data for further attacks.

According to him, the risks from these calls should not be taken lightly. Victims’ numbers could end up on scam target lists, be directed to advanced schemes like one-time password (OTP) and phishing, or connected to high-cost premium numbers if a call back is made.

To avoid this, he advises the public not to answer calls from unknown numbers, especially suspicious international ones. If it is important, the caller will usually call back or send a short message.

He also stresses never to call back. “This action is the most common trap, as many scams use the missed call bait technique,” he said.