An overseas number is calling me: what to do and how to block it

An overseas number is calling me: what to do and how to block it

Your phone shows a number starting with + and a country code you don't recognise: +44, +1, +234, +373, +62... You don't know anyone there. Sometimes it rings once and hangs up; sometimes you answer to silence or a recorded message; sometimes a voice launches into a pitch about an investment or a parcel. Most of these calls are spam or scams, and the safest reaction is simple: don't call back, don't give details, and block. Here's what's going on and how to protect yourself.

Why am I getting calls from overseas if I don't know anyone there?

• Missed call scams (wangiri). The phone rings once and stops, hoping you'll call back. Some of these numbers charge high international or premium rates, and the scammers get a cut. We explain it in detail in our guides.
• Scam call centres. Investment, tech support, fake police and "Hi Mum" scams are often run from overseas.
• Automated diallers. Robocalls that check which numbers are answered, to sell lists or call back later.
• Your number was in a data breach or on a list sold between spammers.
• Spoofing. The number displayed may not be the real one: scammers can show any country code, or even an Australian-looking number.

Does it cost money to answer an international call?

On a standard Australian mobile plan, receiving a call while you're in Australia normally doesn't cost you anything, even if it comes from overseas. The cost comes when you call back: international rates apply, and some destinations or premium services are very expensive. If you're travelling overseas, roaming charges may apply to incoming calls too, so check your plan.

What are the warning signs?

• One ring and then a hang-up.
• Silence when you answer, or a recorded voice.
• Repeated calls from different numbers with the same country code.
• Pressure or urgency: a "parcel", a "legal matter", "your account".
• A request for personal details, codes or money.
• A text or WhatsApp asking you to "call back urgently" on an overseas number.

What should I do right now?

1. Don't call back a number you don't recognise. If someone genuinely needs you, they'll leave a message or try another way.
2. If you answer, don't give details: not your name, address, date of birth, bank information or any code.
3. Hang up if it's silent, recorded or pushy.
4. Look up the number in the spam numbers directory or check the country code in our prefix guide.
5. Block the number on your phone.

How do I block calls from overseas?

• iPhone: block individual numbers from your recent calls, and consider Silence Unknown Callers (Settings Phone), which sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.
• Android: block numbers from the call log; many phones also let you block unknown or spam numbers in the Phone app's settings (options vary by manufacturer).
• Your carrier: ask about call-blocking services or scam filters on your plan. Telstra and other carriers explain their options on their scam pages; Telstra's guide is a good starting point.
• A call identification app like NoCall can warn you when an incoming number has already been reported by others.

What if I already called back or gave my details?

• If you called back, check your next bill or prepaid balance. If there's an unexpected international or premium charge, contact your carrier and ask about it. If it isn't resolved, you can complain to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).
• If you gave bank or card details, call your bank immediately on the number on your card.
• If you gave identity details, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free advice.
• If you shared a code, assume an account is at risk: change the password and tell the provider of that account.

Where do I report it?

• Your carrier, especially if the calls are frequent.
• Scamwatch, for scam calls.
• The NoCall spam numbers directory, so others recognise the number.
• The Do Not Call Register helps with legitimate Australian telemarketers, but overseas scammers ignore it.

Frequently asked questions

Can they steal money just because I answered? No. Answering alone doesn't give anyone access to your money. The risk comes from calling back expensive numbers or giving out details.

Why do they always call from the same country? Scam campaigns often use batches of numbers from the same country or range. It doesn't necessarily mean the caller is there: numbers can be rented or spoofed.

What if the number shown is Australian but the caller talks about another country? That's often spoofing. Treat it like any other unexpected call: don't give details, hang up and check independently if needed.

Is blocking a whole country code a good idea? It can help if you never receive genuine calls from that country, but it may block legitimate calls too, and scammers can switch to other codes. Silencing unknown callers is usually a more practical option.

In short

Unknown overseas numbers are usually spam or scams. Don't call back, don't give details and block them. Receiving the call normally costs nothing at home; calling back can. If you did call back or gave information, check your bill, call your bank if needed and report it. And report the number in the NoCall spam numbers directory.