What Are Ghost Calls, and How Can You Identify Them?

Have you ever answered the phone only to be greeted with silence? It can be time-consuming and annoying. These calls are sometimes called “ghost calls,” and they are attempts to deceive you into answering, having the potential to lead to scams.

In this article, we’ll look at scammers’ strategies and, more importantly, how to entirely block them.

To help you understand the risks, we provide you with a technological solution for interruptions.

What are Ghost Calls?

A ghost call, or phantom call, occurs when a phone rings but no one is on the other end. These nuisance calls can occur on both landlines and VoIP networks, often resulting in silence or disconnection after a few seconds. They may be caused by technical glitches, security vulnerabilities, or malicious activities such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) scanning.

Phantom calls appear on caller IDs without connecting to anyone, leaving recipients confused when they receive missed call notifications. Typically, these calls come from automated dialing systems used by telemarketers or scammers, which dial random or sequential numbers.

One specific type of ghost call is known as the “one-ring cell phone scam.” In this scam, foreign scammers make single-ring calls to U.S. cell phones, hoping that the recipient will call back out of curiosity. When the recipient returns the call, they incur charges due to the international toll number, while the scammers receive a percentage of the call cost. The FCC has been issuing warnings about this scam since 2014.

Common Causes of Ghost Calls

Ghost calls are not made by service providers but are generated by automated port-scanning devices that aim to identify vulnerabilities in mobile phone systems.

A key issue with ghost calls is that recipients may incur charges for answering them, while the unknown caller faces no costs. Hackers conduct SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) scans to manipulate ports and gather data, allowing them to clone phone systems. Consequently, they can make calls that the recipient must pay for.

Ghost calls often result from automated processes, technical issues, or malicious intent to exploit phone numbers, leading to privacy and security concerns for recipients.

Also, here are some of the reasons why ghost calls occur, including:

1. Auto-Dialing Systems

With the help of an auto-dialing system telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers often use automated dialing systems to make calls in bulk. These systems can dial multiple numbers simultaneously without requiring a person’s help. But it might not always have an efficient mechanism in place to handle unanswered calls.

2. Caller ID Spoofing

Here, the scammers manipulate the information by using their techniques to ensure that the receivers likely answer the outbound calls, sometimes using neighbor spoofing. They hide their identity and location so that it may be hard to trace them down to law enforcement. This allows them to make scam calls and other fraudulent activities by using other devices.

For example, fraudsters may display a spoofed caller ID of a recipient’s bank and claim there is an urgent need for action regarding their account, then attempt to prompt the recipient to disclose personal or financial information, or to follow through with instructions transferring funds.

3. Incomplete or Failed Connections

Due to network issues, you may experience a few network problems such as call dropping, signaling errors, and congestion during the calls. In that case, the call may appear on the caller ID of the recipient even though actual communication does not take place.

In a few cases, weather conditions actually interfere with the cellular signals, causing calls to be dropped or ghost calls.

4. Confirmation of Active Numbers

They do ghost calls to scam people so that they get to validate that the phone numbers remain active. However, sometimes companies use aggressive calling tactics with which they reach multiple times within a short period.

This means even though your number is on and active, the service might not have updated its internal data in real-time, which can lead to repeated ghost phone calls even after you unsubscribe.

5. Automated Systems or Robocalls

Because of understaffing, technological limitations, or other reasons that include pre-programmed shut-downs, automated systems or robocalls may have initiated the calls without getting through to a person.

Also, the system of robocall programs in such a way that they can abandon calls after the ‘n’ number of rings. This also constitutes a large number of all phone calls, especially spam calls. As a result of this large volume, the ability to receive ghost calls made by automated systems increases.

How to Identify a Ghost Call?

Ghost phone calls usually occur due to “port scanning,” a technique used by automated software to detect active lines. Most do not leave a message and are hard to identify. Yet, there are ways to spot them.

One way would be to verify if the caller IDs of calls coming in are not out of the ordinary. Scammers often use spoofed or invalid numbers with prefixes starting with 100, 1000, or 1001. Such numbers do not usually exist, which means the call will most likely come from an invalid source.

You can also cross-reference missed calls with online resources like “Reverse Phone Lookup,” which can help identify suspicious numbers reported as spam.

Remember, ghost calls can be confused with silent calls that are generated through contact centers using automated dialers. If a call is ringing too many times before you can answer it, it can hang up before reaching you.

To identify ghost calls, silent calls, and accidental pocket dials, check the originating number in your call log. Most suspicious calls will have those phony prefixes. Also, if there’s a sudden drop right after a brief connection, that could be a scammer’s tactics at play.

How to Stop Ghost Calls from a Landline?

Unwanted calls can be irritating, but there are several ways to prevent them from interrupting your day. Here’s a simple yet effective guide to preventing ghost calls on landline phones.

1. Use a Call Blocker

The most effective way to stop ghost or spam calls on your landline is by using a call blocker. Many modern landline phones, like the BT 4600 Big Button Phone and BT Premium Phone, have a call screening feature that silently answers calls and asks the caller to identify themselves before the phone rings, filtering out ghost calls. 

Whitelisting allows you to add trusted numbers, such as family and friends, to a safe list. This ensures their calls get through while screening others. You can find various cordless phones with call-blocking features available for purchase online.

2. Report Ghost and Scam Calls

If you’re repeatedly receiving ghost calls, you should immediately report them. Your service provider can help trace the origin of the calls and block the repeated callers, even if the number is hidden. 

They can also apply additional protection, like call filters or security features, to stop ghost calls from reaching you in the future. 

Reporting ghost calls helps your provider improve their systems and ensure your communication remains secure. Taking action quickly can save you from ongoing interruptions and potential security risks.

3. Configure Changes to Your Phone System

If the phone system of the organization is managed-e.g., PBX- then alter your network settings to block ghost calls.

Hackers usually attack the default SIP port 5060. Configure your phone system to a nonstandard port to make it difficult for attackers to breach it.

Most VoIP systems allow you to filter the calls you get. So, you can disable SIP requests coming from unknown or unrecognized IP addresses to block unauthorized access. And enable settings like “Accept Incoming SIP from Proxy Only” to secure your system.

4. Maintain Firewall Protections

Keep your firewall software up to date. A strong firewall protects your system against hackers who try to exploit its vulnerability. It should be configured to block unauthorized traffic, including ghost calls. So, maintain firewall protections to keep your system protected from new threats.

5. Change Your IP Address

If you think that your system is being attacked, change your IP to block access and stop ghost calls temporarily.

Update your IP by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask the network’s IP through changes or change the router settings.

6. Use a Call Blocker on Landlines

For landline users, a call blocker remains one of the most effective tools to this day. With call blockers, you can pre-screen calls, thus automatically dropping ghost calls before they ring through. 

The blockers are available in both physical devices and as built-in features on the newest phones. Most phones have an option of adding a safelist, which comprises numbers you trust, so you never miss an important call.

7. Periodic Security Testing

Companies who handle telephone services should regularly check their VoIP or PBX systems at periodic intervals. Use tools like a port scanner or security tools like SIPVicious Pro to help detect potential weaknesses in the system. 

You should fix any vulnerabilities you detect before hackers have a chance to exploit them. Do regular security checks to keep the system safe and avoid potential risks.

How to Prevent Ghost Calls from VoIP or Cloud-Based Systems?

To prevent cloud or VOIP ghosting, notify the external VOIP provider if your VoIP services are hosted by them. They will make changes at the exchange level to resolve the issue. 

If it’s a self-administered VoIP system, follow these practical steps to secure your setup and prevent a ghost call:

1. Change SIP Ports

Ghost calls often exploit the default SIP port, 5060, which is a common target for automated scripts and scanners. By making SIP port changes, you reduce the likelihood of attackers finding and exploiting your system.

• How It Works: Attackers rely on automated tools that focus on scanning default ports like 5060. Switching to an ambiguous port makes your system harder to find.
• Limitations: While this adds a layer of security, determined attackers may still perform extensive port scans, so this should be part of a broader security strategy.

2. Disable Direct IP Calls

Direct IP calling allows users to connect to a VoIP system by directly using its IP address instead of going through a phone network. 

Turn this off to reduce the risk of ghost calls. Disabling this feature strengthens the security of your VoIP system and helps ensure that only legitimate users can make calls to your business. 

Setup: Many SIP admin panels allow you to disable direct IP-to-IP calls. Check your settings and disable this feature if available.

3. Implement Firewall Protections

Firewalls are essential tools for blocking unwanted traffic, including ghost calls. You should configure your firewall securely to filter traffic and block suspicious or unauthorized access to your VoIP system.

Setup:

1. Allow SIP traffic only from trusted sources like your VoIP provider’s IP addresses or specific business partners.
2. Create blacklists for malicious IPs and whitelists for trusted ones.
3. Monitor unusual activity and traffic patterns from unknown IPs.

4. Use Advanced Security Tools

Administrators can to If you are an administrator managing a complex system, you can use advanced tools like SIP Vicious Pro. It helps to identify vulnerabilities in your SIP system.

How It Works: SIP Vicious Pro is a command-line toolset that is designed to test and secure SIP systems. It identifies weaknesses that could allow ghost calls or unauthorized access.

5. Monitor and Update Your System

To protect your VoIP system, you should regularly do maintenance and update your system.

• Firmware Updates: Ensure that all hardware and software are updated with the latest security patches.
• Traffic Monitoring: Monitor your network traffic regularly. You may spot irregular patterns or unauthorized activity.
• Security Audits: Always perform security audits timely to identify and fix any vulnerabilities. 

Conclusion

Ghost calls are extremely annoying. They disrupt our daily routine and cause unnecessary stress. Many people are so fearful of ghost calls that they do not pick up calls coming from unknown numbers.

You can register with the National Do Not Call Registry to minimize these disrupting calls. You could also block spam numbers. Scammers use these calls to gain your personal information, so it’s important to remain very cautious about such calls.  

We should invest in call-blocking technology to protect our privacy and peace of mind. Ghost calls may be a nuisance, but they endanger your privacy and security—serious threats. Learn about them and take proactive steps to stop them in their tracks.

FAQS:

What is a ghost phone call?

A ghost call is an unexplained, unwanted call with no actual caller caused by technical or security issues in telecommunication systems.  

Are ghost calls dangerous?

Usually, ghost phone calls are not harmful, but they may indicate vulnerabilities in your system that could be exploited. 

How do I fix ghost calls?

You can enhance your network security by turning off anonymous SIP requests, updating your devices, and consulting your service provider if needed. 

How do Ghost Calls Differ from Robocalls?

A ghost call is an unexplained call with no actual caller, usually caused by technical issues. In contrast, robocalls are automated recordings that begin a few seconds after you answer, often intended for marketing or scams.

What should you do when you receive a ghost call?

If you receive unwanted or VoIP ghost calls, you should document the incident, secure your system, and contact your provider to investigate and resolve the issue.