KUALA LUMPUR: A seemingly harmless “silent call” where the phone rings but no one speaks may actually be the first step in a scam, CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) has warned.
CSM chief executive Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said such calls are used by scammers to confirm whether a phone number is active. Once confirmed, the number may be sold or added to a list for future scam attempts.
He explained that silent calls, which typically end within 10 seconds, may also be used to capture voice metadata, even if no words are spoken.
Victims often receive follow-up scam attempts, such as fake bank alerts, WhatsApp links, job offers or calls impersonating banks, courier companies or government agencies. Scammers may also spoof local numbers to appear legitimate.
Amirudin advised the public to hang up immediately if they receive a silent call, as keeping the line open may allow automated systems to validate the number. He noted that if a call is genuine or important, the caller will try again or leave a message.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers and use tools such as spam filters, Truecaller, Whoscall, or telco verification services.
Persistent scam activity should be reported to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) or relevant authorities. Source: BERNAMA
🔍 HackWarn.com Analysis
Why Silent Call Scams Work
- Scammers use silent calls to verify active numbers before launching larger fraud attempts.
- Calls may record voice metadata, helping scammers impersonate victims later.
- After confirming the number, scammers often send fake bank alerts, WhatsApp links, or follow-up impersonation calls.
How to Protect Yourself
- Hang up instantly. Do not stay on the line.
- Never share personal information after such calls.
- Use spam filters or caller ID apps like Truecaller/Whoscall.
- Report suspicious numbers to MCMC, your telco, or via official scam-reporting channels.
Silent calls are not mistakes. They are often the start of a scam sequence. Staying alert helps prevent larger fraud attempts.
