Phone scams represent an increasingly sophisticated and pervasive threat in daily life. As technology advances, malicious actors refine their techniques, making it difficult to distinguish legitimate communication from a fraud attempt. This phenomenon, which includes deceptive voice calls (vishing) and fraudulent messages (smishing), indiscriminately affects people of all ages and social backgrounds, exploiting trust and distraction to steal personal data and money. In Italy, a country with a very high smartphone penetration rate, the risk is particularly high. In the first quarter of 2025, sums stolen via online fraud reached 81.6 million euros, a figure that highlights the growing offensive capability of criminals. Recognizing traps and adopting the right countermeasures has become essential to protect one’s savings and digital identity.

The evolution of scams is closely linked to technological innovation, but also to cultural dynamics. In Mediterranean culture, often based on a strong sense of community and interpersonal trust, scammers find fertile ground. They leverage an apparently friendly approach or, conversely, an urgency that generates panic, pushing victims to act on impulse. Understanding the different types of deception, from the most traditional to the most innovative ones exploiting artificial intelligence, is the first step to building a solid defense. This article offers a complete guide to identifying scam attempts, blocking them effectively, and reporting them to the competent authorities, combining the wisdom of traditional prudence with the tools offered by modern technology.

Vishing and Smishing: Two Sides of the Same Coin

The landscape of phone fraud is dominated by two main techniques: vishing and smishing. Although they use different channels, the goal is identical: to deceive the victim into obtaining sensitive information. Vishing, or voice phishing, is carried out via phone calls. Scammers pose as bank operators, government representatives, or even law enforcement, creating a sense of urgency or imminent danger. For example, they might report anomalous access to a checking account or a problem with a credit card, inducing the person to communicate codes and passwords for alleged “security measures”. The trust we tend to place in the human voice makes this technique particularly effective.

Smishing, a fusion of the terms “SMS” and “phishing”, uses text messages instead, but also chats on platforms like WhatsApp. These messages mimic communications from couriers, credit institutions, or post offices, often containing links to fraudulent websites. By clicking on the link, the user is directed to a page that faithfully reproduces the original one, where they are invited to enter their credentials. Another variant involves an invitation to download an app which, in reality, is malware capable of spying on the smartphone and stealing data. Both techniques exploit psychological manipulation to overcome the victim’s defenses.

The Most Common Techniques and How Not to Fall into the Trap

Cybercriminals use an arsenal of ever-evolving tactics to make their scams more credible. One of the most insidious is Caller ID spoofing, which allows them to falsify the phone number displayed on the victim’s screen. Thus, the number of one’s own bank or a police station may appear, pushing one to lower their guard. The Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) has approved new measures requiring operators to block these calls, with deadlines set throughout 2025 for compliance.

Another common scam is the one-ring scam, known as wangiri or ping call. You receive a very short call from an unknown number, often international (with prefixes like +216 for Tunisia or +44 for the UK), which prompts you to call back out of curiosity. However, the callback is charged at very high rates, draining phone credit. The golden rule is never to call back unknown numbers, especially if they have a foreign prefix, and to search for them online first to check if they have already been reported.

Finally, one must pay attention to the “yes” scam. The scammer asks a simple question, such as “Can you hear me?”, to record the victim’s affirmative response. This voice recording is then artfully edited to make it seem like consent was given for the activation of a contract or a paid service. To defend yourself, it is best to avoid saying the word “yes” and, in case of doubt, hang up immediately.

Tools and Strategies for Effective Defense

The first line of defense against phone scams is awareness. It is fundamental to remember that no bank, public entity, or law enforcement agency will ever ask you to provide sensitive data such as passwords, PINs, or security codes via phone or SMS. In the case of suspicious communications reporting urgent problems, the best strategy is to interrupt the conversation or ignore the message and contact the institution concerned directly through the official channels found on their website. Prudence is a precious ally: an extra check is always better than a regret.

Technologically, there are several tools to protect yourself. Many modern smartphones, both Android and iPhone, integrate functions to identify and block spam calls. It is possible to activate filters that silence unknown numbers or flag potentially fraudulent calls. Furthermore, you can install third-party apps specialized in recognizing and blocking unwanted calls, which rely on databases of numbers reported by the user community. Keeping the operating system and apps always updated is another crucial step to ensure device security.

To counter aggressive telemarketing, the Public Opposition Registry (RPO) is available in Italy, a free service managed by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. By registering your landline or mobile phone number, you revoke all consents previously provided for marketing purposes. Registration, which can be done online, via phone, or email, becomes effective within 15 days. Although the RPO is a powerful tool for reducing commercial calls, it does not block illegal scams, for which reporting to the authorities remains the only way. If you are a victim of insistent calls, consider signing up for the Opposition Registry to assert your rights.

What to Do If You Have Fallen into the Trap

Realizing you have been scammed can generate panic and confusion, but it is essential to act quickly and lucidly to limit the damage. The first action to take is to immediately block the financial instruments involved. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to block accounts, cards, and any suspicious operations. Often this operation can be done via the mobile banking app or by calling the dedicated toll-free number, active 24 hours a day. Also, change all passwords for compromised accounts, starting with online banking.

The next step, no less important, is to gather all evidence and file a complaint. Save the SMS messages received, note the scammer’s phone number and any other useful details (date, time, content of the conversation). Go to the nearest Carabinieri or State Police station or, more specifically for these types of crimes, to an office of the Postal and Communications Police. The complaint is a fundamental act not only to attempt to recover the stolen sums but also to allow law enforcement to investigate and combat the phenomenon, protecting other potential victims. You can also make an initial report online via the Online Police Commissioner portal.

Finally, it is important to carefully monitor your accounts and cards in the days and weeks following the scam. Check your bank statement to verify the presence of unauthorized charges. Sometimes, scammers make small test transactions before attempting the big heist. If you have suffered an illicit charge, you may be entitled to a refund. In some cases, such as with instant wire transfers, recovering funds is more complex, but European regulations offer protections to consumers. If the bank does not cooperate, you can turn to a consumer association or a specialized lawyer. Facing a scam is stressful, but remember that there are tools and procedures to defend yourself, such as blocking unauthorized charges on Postepay.

The Role of Institutions and Future Perspectives

The fight against phone scams and wild telemarketing is a priority for Italian and European institutions. AGCOM is at the forefront of introducing stricter regulations. Recently, it approved a resolution requiring telephone operators to implement filters to block spoofing, i.e., calls coming from abroad that use a fake Italian number. This measure, which will fully enter into force in two phases during 2025, aims to block one of the most deceptive and widespread techniques at the source, with fines of up to one million euros for non-compliant operators.

At the European level too, attention to data protection and citizen security is high. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has introduced rigorous standards on the management of personal information, strengthening users’ privacy rights and providing for severe penalties for violations. This regulatory framework is a pillar in the fight against the abuse of personal data, which is the raw material of many digital frauds. Collaboration between the authorities of the various Member States is crucial to prosecute crimes that, by their nature, know no borders.

The future of the fight against scams will increasingly be played out on the field of technological innovation. On the one hand, criminals exploit artificial intelligence to create even more sophisticated scams, such as voice cloning to simulate requests for help from family members. On the other hand, technology offers increasingly powerful defense tools, such as algorithms capable of recognizing anomalous behaviors in real-time and blocking suspicious calls. The challenge for users and institutions will be to stay one step ahead, combining digital security education with the adoption of advanced technological solutions. If you are interested in how technology can protect you, you might find our guide for safe use of WhatsApp Web useful.

Conclusions

The battle against phone scams and smishing is a complex reality that intertwines technological innovation, psychology, and cultural dynamics. In a context like the Italian one, where the tradition of trust clashes with the modernity of digital threats, the most effective defense arises from the combination of prudence and knowledge. Understanding the scammers’ techniques, from vishing to spoofing, is the first, indispensable step to avoid falling victim to their deceptions. Adopting good practices, such as never sharing sensitive data and always verifying the interlocutor’s identity, constitutes a fundamental barrier.

The tools at our disposal are manifold and constantly evolving. From features integrated into smartphones to the Public Opposition Registry, up to the new regulations imposed by AGCOM, defenses are strengthening. However, no technology can completely replace critical thinking and user awareness. It is essential to stay informed, be wary of urgent requests, and, in case of doubt, stop all communication and seek confirmation through secure channels. If you fall into the trap, acting promptly by blocking financial instruments and reporting to the authorities can make the difference. Digital security is a shared responsibility: by protecting ourselves, we contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.

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