Who called?
Silent calls: why nobody's there when you answer
You answer, say hello twice, and hear nothing - then the line drops. Silent calls are unsettling, but they're rarely personal. Most are machines.
Why silent calls happen
- Auto-diallers. Call centres dial more numbers than they have staff for. When you answer and no agent is free, you get silence. Scam call centres do the same.
- Number checking. Some calls exist only to see whether a number is answered. A live number is worth more on a list - and gets more calls.
- Bad connections or someone calling by mistake - occasionally.
Are they dangerous?
The call itself can't harm your phone. The risk is what comes next: more calls, and eventually a scammer. Don't call back, and don't say "yes" into a silent line.
How to cut them down
- Silence unknown callers - see how to block and screen numbers.
- Register on the Do Not Call Register - it reduces calls from legitimate telemarketers. How it works.
- Block repeat numbers, and report them so others know.
- If silent calls feel targeted or threatening, tell your provider - they can trace and act - and the police if you feel unsafe.
Got a silent call? Report the number and choose "Silent call". See numbers reported for silent calls.