04/29/2026
Silent phone calls may be setting you up for a Scam
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott is alerting residents to a growing phone scam known as the “silent call” scam. Citizens have reported answering their phone only to hear silence before the call disconnects. While this may seem like a harmless glitch, it is often a deliberate tactic used by scammers to identify active phone numbers and target victims later.
How the scam works - Scammers use automated dialing systems to call thousands of numbers at once. When you answer, even saying something as simple as “hello”, your number is flagged as active and associated with a real person. This information can then be sold or reused, leading to an increase in scam calls, including those impersonating banks, government agencies, or healthcare providers.
Answering a silent call can make you a target for future scams, including phishing attempts and identity theft. Some scammers may even record short audio clips of your voice to use in more convincing fraudulent schemes.
What you should do if you answer a call and hear silence:
• Do not speak.
• Hang up immediately.
• Block the number on your phone.
• Report repeated calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone carrier.
• Never call the number back.
Taking these steps may reduce the likelihood that your number will be targeted again. While anyone can be targeted, scammers often focus on older adults who rely more heavily on phone communication for medical, financial, and government services. They may use local or familiar looking numbers to gain trust (Spoofing).
How to protect yourself
• Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
• Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Use call-blocking features or apps on your phone.
• Stay cautious, even if a call appears legitimate.
Silent calls are rarely accidental. Engaging, even briefly, can lead to more scam attempts. The safest response is no response at all. If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam, please contact the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office at 918-485-3124.
