Your phone rings once in the middle of the night, then suddenly stops. There is no voicemail or message, only an unfamiliar number on your screen. You may immediately wonder whether something happened to a family member, your bank, or someone you know. But returning an unexpected call can sometimes expose you to unnecessary charges or other risks.

Some scam operations use brief calls to encourage people to call back without thinking. In certain cases, returning the call may lead to unexpected per-minute charges or further attempts to obtain personal information. Other callers may try to persuade you to confirm details about yourself or respond to simple questions that could potentially be recorded and misused.

The safest approach is simple: allow unfamiliar numbers to go to voicemail and avoid returning calls you cannot identify. If someone pressures you to confirm personal information or asks unusual questions,end the call. You can also use your phone’s call-blocking features and regularly review your bank and account statements for anything you do not recognize.

A little caution can prevent unnecessary problems. If an unfamiliar number calls unexpectedly, especially at an unusual hour, there is no need to respond immediately. Let the call end, verify who is contacting you through a trusted method, and protect your personal information. Sometimes the safest response to an unexpected call is simply to let it go unanswered.