Unexpected Calls From Iran: Unmasking Scams & Protecting Your Wallet

Cydney Hartmann 18 Jun 2025

Have you ever been driving, minding your own business, when suddenly your phone rings with an unfamiliar international number? Perhaps it was a call from a number starting with +98, the country code for Iran. If so, you're not alone. Many individuals are experiencing the perplexing phenomenon of getting calls from Iran, often unsolicited and suspicious. This isn't just a random occurrence; it's part of a broader trend of international scam and spam calls that can range from annoying "ping calls" to sophisticated attempts to defraud you. Understanding the nature of these calls, why they happen, and how to protect yourself is crucial in today's interconnected world.

The digital age, while connecting us globally, has also opened new avenues for malicious actors. From traditional phone calls to WhatsApp audio and video calls, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. This article will delve deep into the world of unsolicited international calls, specifically focusing on those originating from Iran, providing you with the knowledge and tools to identify, avoid, and report these potentially costly and intrusive interactions. We'll explore the common types of scams, the financial risks involved, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and finances.

The Rise of Unsolicited International Calls
Understanding the Iranian Country Code (+98)
Common Tactics: Ping Calls and Robocalls
- The Ping Call Scam
- The Robocall Menace
The Financial Trap: Why These Calls Cost You
WhatsApp Scams: A Growing Concern
- Identifying WhatsApp Scam Calls
- Protecting Yourself on WhatsApp
How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls
Reporting Suspicious Calls: Your Role in Fighting Scams
Beyond Iran: Other High-Risk Country Codes

The Rise of Unsolicited International Calls

It's an increasingly common experience: your phone rings, displaying an unfamiliar international number. For many, this has included getting calls from Iran, often with a prefix like +98. The phenomenon isn't new, but its prevalence seems to be on the rise. In February 2018, for instance, the website Triple Hack reported an uptick in these types of calls, originating from various unexpected locations. More recently, there have been reports of a significant spike in spam calls from numbers with Iranian area codes, particularly after October 7th, leading some to wonder about the underlying reasons or connections. While the exact motivations behind every call can vary, the overarching goal for most of these unsolicited contacts is often nefarious: to trick you into calling back a premium-rate number, sharing personal information, or falling for a more elaborate scam. It's a global problem, with calls originating from a wide array of countries, including Burundi, Malawi, Pakistan, Belarus, Russia, and many African nations, alongside the more frequently reported origins like India, Mexico, and, of course, Iran. The sheer volume and diverse origins of these calls highlight the organized nature of these fraudulent operations, often employing sophisticated caller ID spoofing software and VoIP services to mask their true locations and identities.

Understanding the Iranian Country Code (+98)

The prefix +98 is the country code of Iran. For many people, seeing this prefix on their caller ID immediately raises a red flag, especially if they have no personal or professional connections in Iran. As with all unfamiliar international numbers, if you're getting calls from Iran – or any number starting with these digits – and you don't know the person or aren't expecting contact from anyone in Iran, you should exercise extreme caution. These calls are highly likely to be advertising calls, telemarketing attempts, or, more dangerously, attempted scam calls. The primary risk associated with answering or, worse, calling back these numbers is the potential for significant financial charges. Many of these international numbers are set up as premium-rate lines, meaning that every minute you spend on the call can cost a substantial amount of money. Scammers profit directly from these charges, which are then passed on to you through your phone bill. This is why consumer protection organizations consistently advise against engaging with such unsolicited international calls.

Common Tactics: Ping Calls and Robocalls

Scammers employ various tactics to ensnare unsuspecting individuals, with "ping calls" and "robocalls" being among the most common. These methods are designed to provoke a response, often without direct human interaction on the scammer's end initially. When you're getting calls from Iran or other suspicious international numbers, it's highly probable you're encountering one of these automated schemes.

The Ping Call Scam

The ping call, also known as a "one-ring scam," is a particularly insidious tactic. Your phone rings once or twice, sometimes for the full duration, and then the call hangs up before you can answer. The goal isn't for you to pick up; it's to pique your curiosity and prompt you to call back. You might get missed calls from countries like India, Iran, or Mexico, and as tempted as you might be to return the call to see who it was, this is precisely what the scammers want. When you call back, you're often connected to a premium-rate service, and you'll be charged exorbitant fees per minute for the duration of the call, even if it's just dead air or a recorded message. These charges accumulate quickly, leading to a shockingly high phone bill. The numbers used in these scams are frequently associated with international premium rate services, making it a lucrative scheme for the perpetrators.

The Robocall Menace

Robocalls are automated calls that deliver a pre-recorded message. While some legitimate organizations use robocalls for informational purposes (like appointment reminders), scammers frequently use them to deliver fraudulent messages. These can range from fake lottery winnings to urgent warnings about your bank account being compromised, all designed to create a sense of urgency or excitement that leads you to take action. For instance, you might receive a robocall from an Iranian number claiming you've won a prize, but to claim it, you need to provide personal information or pay a "fee." Sometimes, these robocalls are also used as a preliminary step to identify active phone lines for subsequent live scam calls. Modern technology, like Google Assistant, can sometimes intercept these, leading to the call hanging up as soon as an automated system answers, which is a good indicator of a robocall or spam attempt.

The Financial Trap: Why These Calls Cost You

The primary motivation behind many unsolicited international calls, including those where you're getting calls from Iran, is financial exploitation. These calls are not random acts of annoyance; they are carefully orchestrated schemes designed to extract money from unsuspecting individuals. The mechanism is simple yet effective: premium-rate numbers. When a scammer uses a phone number that begins with codes like +92 (Pakistan), +84 (Vietnam), +62 (Indonesia), +1 (USA), or +98 (Iran), these numbers are often tied to scam operations that can lead to extremely costly calls. If you answer these calls, or worse, call them back, you could be charged high rates per minute. These rates are significantly higher than standard international call charges, sometimes costing several dollars for every minute you remain connected. The scammer earns a portion of these charges, making it a direct revenue stream for their illicit activities. This is why the advice is consistently to avoid answering these calls altogether. Even if the call only rings for a full duration and then stops, the temptation to call back is precisely what they're banking on. The moment you initiate the return call, you're activating their revenue model. The charges might not appear immediately, but they will eventually show up on your monthly phone bill, often as obscure international call charges that are difficult to dispute once incurred. This financial risk is why these calls fall under the "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) category, as they directly impact your financial well-being.

WhatsApp Scams: A Growing Concern

While traditional phone calls remain a vector for scams, the rise of messaging apps like WhatsApp has opened new frontiers for fraudsters. Consumer protection organizations are increasingly warning about the threat of WhatsApp scam calls being placed, mimicking the patterns seen with traditional phone calls. Many users, particularly in countries like India, have reported getting calls from Iran and other unknown international numbers on WhatsApp, including both audio and video calls.

Identifying WhatsApp Scam Calls

These WhatsApp calls often come from numbers that start with country codes like +254 (Kenya), +84 (Vietnam), +63 (Philippines), +251 (Ethiopia), +60 (Malaysia), or +62 (Indonesia), in addition to +98 (Iran). The pattern is similar to traditional ping calls: they might ring briefly, or even for a full duration, hoping you'll answer or call back. The content of these WhatsApp scams can vary widely, from fake job offers and lottery wins to urgent messages about account security or even impersonations of government officials. The experts, working closely with governments like the Indian government, are trying to curb this cybercrime menace, but user vigilance remains the first line of defense.

Protecting Yourself on WhatsApp

The advice for WhatsApp calls is consistent with traditional calls: if you receive a call from an international number that you do not recognize, it is best to avoid answering it. Answering the call could put you at risk of falling victim to a scam, either by exposing you to premium-rate schemes (though less common directly on WhatsApp, they might try to redirect you) or, more likely, by engaging you in a conversation designed to extract personal information or money through other means. Never share sensitive data over WhatsApp, especially with unfamiliar callers, even if they claim to be from a reputable organization. Block and report any suspicious numbers immediately.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls

Protecting yourself from the constant barrage of scam calls, including those where you're getting calls from Iran, requires a multi-layered approach. The key is prevention and vigilance. 1. **Don't Answer Unfamiliar International Numbers:** This is the golden rule. If you don't recognize the number, especially if it has an international country code you're not expecting, simply let it ring. If it's legitimate, the caller will leave a voicemail or find another way to reach you. 2. **Never Call Back:** As tempting as it might be to satisfy your curiosity or see who called, resist the urge. Calling back is precisely how ping call scams make their money, charging you exorbitant rates. 3. **Be Cautious with Personal Information:** This is a critical YMYL principle. Never share sensitive data over the phone, especially with unfamiliar callers. This includes bank account details, credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords, or any other personally identifiable information. Legitimate organizations will rarely ask for such details over an unsolicited call. 4. **Use Call Blocking Features:** Most smartphones and many phone carriers offer call blocking features. You can block individual numbers that have called you, or in some cases, block entire country codes if you consistently receive unwanted calls from a specific region. 5. **Utilize Spam Call Recognition Apps/Services:** Websites like spamcalls.net allow you to search for phone numbers and identify unwanted calls. Many apps also offer reverse phone number lookup or caller ID lookup services to help you recognize spam calls (ping calls, robocalls) before you even consider answering. Some carriers also offer their own spam blocking services. 6. **Be Skeptical of Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True:** If someone calls offering you a large sum of money, a free vacation, or a high-paying job with no experience, it's almost certainly a scam. 7. **Understand Caller ID Spoofing:** Be aware that scammers can "spoof" caller ID, making it appear as though they are calling from a local number or a legitimate organization. This makes it harder to trust caller ID alone, reinforcing the need for caution with all unfamiliar calls.

Reporting Suspicious Calls: Your Role in Fighting Scams

While protecting yourself is paramount, reporting suspicious calls is equally important in the broader fight against telecommunication fraud. When you're getting calls from Iran or other international numbers that seem suspicious, your actions can help authorities track and disrupt these illicit operations. 1. **Inform Your Phone Carrier:** Your first step should be to contact your mobile or landline phone carrier. They can often block specific numbers, offer advice, or even have their own internal systems for tracking and mitigating spam calls. Providing them with the number and details of the call helps them identify patterns and protect other customers. 2. **Report to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Equivalent Bodies:** In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the primary body responsible for regulating interstate and international communications. You can file a complaint directly on their website. Similar regulatory bodies exist in other countries (e.g., Ofcom in the UK, TRAI in India). These agencies collect data from consumer complaints to identify trends, issue warnings, and take enforcement actions against scammers. 3. **Report to Consumer Protection Organizations:** Many non-profit consumer protection organizations actively monitor and warn the public about new scam trends. Reporting to them helps disseminate information and raise public awareness. 4. **Utilize Spam Reporting Apps/Websites:** Some apps and websites dedicated to identifying spam calls also have features to report numbers, contributing to a community-driven database of known scam numbers. This collective effort helps people like you and me recognize unwanted calls more easily. By taking the time to report these incidents, you contribute to a larger effort to stop unwanted calls and get the caller ID for unknown numbers, making the digital landscape safer for everyone.

Beyond Iran: Other High-Risk Country Codes

While the focus of this article is on getting calls from Iran, it's crucial to understand that this is part of a wider global problem. Scammers operate from numerous countries, and being aware of other high-risk country codes can further enhance your protection. As mentioned earlier, numbers beginning with codes like +92 (Pakistan), +84 (Vietnam), +62 (Indonesia), and +1 (USA) are frequently associated with scam operations. Additionally, many African countries are often cited as origins for these types of calls, including Burundi, Malawi, and Ethiopia (+251). Countries in Southeast Asia like Malaysia (+60) and the Philippines (+63) also appear on lists of suspicious call origins, particularly for WhatsApp scams. It's not just about the country code, however. The underlying principle remains the same: if you receive a call from an international number that you do not recognize and are not expecting, it is best to avoid answering it. The geographical origin of the call is less important than the unsolicited nature of the contact. These calls can come at an expense, as some of these calls can cost a lot of money every minute, regardless of where they originate. Nepal-India calls, for instance, are sometimes unrealistically priced, indicating another potential scam vector. The key takeaway is to maintain a high level of skepticism for all unexpected international communications, whether traditional calls or through messaging apps.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of getting calls from Iran and other unfamiliar international numbers is a persistent and evolving challenge in our digitally connected world. From ping calls designed to trick you into costly callbacks to sophisticated WhatsApp scams aimed at extracting personal information, the threats are real and financially significant. We've explored the common tactics employed by scammers, the substantial financial risks involved, and the importance of recognizing the various country codes often tied to these operations. Remember, your best defense is proactive caution: never answer unfamiliar international calls, resist the urge to call back, and under no circumstances share sensitive personal or financial information over the phone with unverified callers. Utilize available call-blocking features and reporting mechanisms to protect yourself and contribute to a safer online environment. By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these pervasive international scams. Have you received suspicious calls from Iran or other international numbers? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights can help others stay safe. For more tips on cybersecurity and protecting your digital footprint, explore our other articles on online safety.

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