If you’ve ever answered your home phone to hear a strange voice claiming to be from “Microsoft support” or a “bank overseas,” you’re not alone. International scam calls continue to flood U.S. landlines every day, despite stronger laws and telecom security. So how do these calls travel halfway around the world and still ring your phone?
Let’s uncover the methods behind these scams—and how to block them effectively.
How Do Scammers Make International Calls Look Local?
International scammers rely on caller ID spoofing to disguise their true location. This technique allows them to display a fake local number—often with your area code—to trick you into answering. The number might appear as a nearby business, a government office, or even your own phone number.
Here’s how they do it:
- VoIP technology (Voice over Internet Protocol): Scammers use internet-based phone systems that let them change caller ID details easily.
- Cheap global access: With VoIP, making a thousand calls to the U.S. costs pennies, so scammers can cast a wide net.
- Local “gateway” servers: Calls are routed through American carriers, making them appear domestic even though they originate abroad.
- Recycled numbers: Fraudsters sometimes buy or hijack unused U.S. numbers to appear trustworthy.
Once the call connects, they use familiar accents or fake company names to sound legitimate—hoping you’ll stay on the line long enough to be manipulated.
Summary: International scammers use VoIP and spoofing to mask foreign origins and make their calls appear local and trustworthy.
What Kinds of International Scams Target US Landlines?
These calls come in many forms, but their goals are always the same: stealing money or personal information. Common scam types include:
- Tech support scams: Callers claim to represent major companies like Microsoft or Apple, urging you to “fix” a nonexistent computer issue.
- IRS or tax scams: Scammers threaten legal action unless you make an immediate payment.
- Lottery or prize scams: They say you’ve won a foreign prize—but must pay “fees” to claim it.
- Charity scams: They exploit disasters or crises to solicit fake donations.
- Investment and pension fraud: Callers promise huge returns from overseas schemes.
These scams work because they combine urgency, authority, and fear—especially among seniors who rely on landlines and may be less familiar with modern scams.
Summary: International scam calls target U.S. landlines with fake tech support, tax threats, and prize offers, preying on trust and urgency.
How Can US Households Protect Themselves from International Scam Calls?
The best defence is combining technology with awareness. While carriers are working to block illegal traffic, scammers still find gaps. Fortunately, landline call blockers like CPR Call Blocker help filter out fraudulent international calls before they reach you.
Here’s how to stay protected:
- Install a trusted call blocker: CPR Call Blocker comes preloaded with thousands of known scam numbers and lets you block new ones instantly.
- Use call authentication (STIR/SHAKEN): Ask your provider about call-verification systems that identify spoofed numbers.
- Avoid answering unknown international calls: If the number isn’t familiar, let it go to voicemail.
- Never share personal info: Legitimate companies never request passwords, Social Security numbers, or payments over the phone.
- Report scam attempts: Contact the FTC or FCC to report recurring scam calls.
By combining awareness with proactive technology, households can drastically cut down on international scam traffic.
Summary: Using landline call blockers, avoiding unknown numbers, and reporting scams helps U.S. families stop international fraud at the source.
Conclusion
International scam calls reach U.S. landlines through cheap VoIP networks, caller ID spoofing, and weak telecom filters. But with the right precautions and a reliable call blocker, you can stop them in their tracks.
Explore CPR Call Blocker today to protect your home phone and keep overseas scammers out of your life.
FAQ
Q: Why do international scam calls look like local numbers?
A: Scammers use VoIP technology to spoof U.S. area codes and appear trustworthy.
Q: Can landline call blockers stop international scam calls?
A: Yes. Advanced blockers like CPR Call Blocker filter and reject foreign or high-risk numbers automatically.
Q: Are these scams illegal?
A: Absolutely. The FTC and FCC classify them as illegal robocalls and international fraud.
Q: What should I do if I answered a scam call?
A: Hang up immediately and never share personal details. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
