Every day, millions of people receive phone calls from unknown numbers. While many calls may be harmless, some are from scammers looking to trick you into sharing sensitive information. It is important, especially for younger people and those new to handling such calls, to recognize dangerous questions and avoid giving away details that can be used against you.
One specific question you should never answer when strangers call is, “Can you confirm your full name and date of birth?” This seemingly innocent query can give scammers enough information to steal your identity or access your accounts. Understanding how these scams work and what to do can keep you safe from fraud.
Why Do Scammers Ask For Your Full Name and Date of Birth?
Scammers use your full name and date of birth to impersonate you. This information, combined with other data, can help them break into your bank accounts, open new credit cards in your name, or commit other crimes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these personal details are often the first step in a larger identity theft attempt.
In India, fraudsters may try to use this information for SIM card swapping or for accessing finance and government services fraudulently. It is common for scammers to pretend to be from government departments or banks, so always be careful before sharing any details over the phone.
How to Recognize a Scam Call Asking for Personal Info
Scam calls often have these characteristics:
- The caller pressures you to provide answers quickly.
- They claim you won something, owe money, or need to verify your account immediately.
- They refuse to give you a callback number or official contact details.
- Their story seems too good or too urgent to be true.
The Cyber Crime Cell of India advises that you never share personal details like your full name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, or bank details unless you are sure the call is from an official source. If you are unsure, hang up and call back using a number you trust.
What Should You Do If You Get This Question?
If a stranger calls and asks for your full name and date of birth, never give it out. Politely say you do not share personal information over the phone. Then, end the call immediately. If the caller claims to be from a bank or government agency, hang up and contact the official office directly using numbers from their official website.
It’s also a good idea to register your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry (TRAI) in India. This helps reduce unwanted calls from telemarketers and known scam numbers.
Protect Yourself: Tips to Stay Safe From Scam Calls
Here are simple steps to stay safe:
- Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize.
- Never give personal information like your full name, date of birth, address, or bank details over the phone.
- Use call-blocking features available on your phone or apps.
- Report scam calls to the Cyber Crime Cell or your service provider.
- Stay informed with updates from trusted sources such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
In Case You’ve Shared Your Information By Mistake
If you accidentally shared your full name and date of birth with a stranger caller, act quickly. Inform your bank and other important service providers about the incident. Change your passwords and monitor your bank accounts and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity. You can also file a complaint with the local police or through the cybercrime website for further help.
By staying alert and cautious, you can protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of phone scams. Remember, simple questions like “Can you confirm your full name and date of birth?” may seem harmless, but for scammers, this is the key to unlocking your confidential information.