What should I do if I receive threatening calls from an unknown number?
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 4:37 am
Receiving threatening calls from an unknown number can be a distressing experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you should do:
1. Stay Calm and Do Not Engage:
It's natural to feel scared or angry, but try to remain calm. Do not engage in conversation with the caller, argue, or provide any personal information. Often, these callers are seeking a reaction.
Simply hang up. If the calls persist, continue to hang up immediately without saying anything.
2. Document Everything:
Record the date and time of each call.
Note down any details you remember about the call: the caller's voice (male, female, accent, tone), any background noise, and the exact wording of the threats.
If your phone has a call recording feature, and it's legal to record calls in your jurisdiction without consent when you are threatened, consider recording the calls.
3. Block the Number:
On your smartphone: Most modern smartphones allow you to block specific numbers directly from your call history. This will prevent future calls from that particular number.
On a landline: Check if your phone has a blocking feature. You can also contact your phone service provider to inquire about call blocking services or devices.
4. Do Not Call Back:
Avoid the urge to call the unknown number back. This can belarus mobile phone number list confirm to the caller that your number is active and may lead to more calls.
5. Report the Calls:
Your Phone Service Provider: Contact your mobile carrier or landline provider. They may have a dedicated department for dealing with abusive or threatening calls and can offer advice or services like call tracing or changing your number.
Local Police: If you feel the threats are serious or believe there is a real risk of harm, report the calls to your local police station immediately. Provide them with all the documentation you have gathered. They can advise on the legal implications and potential investigations.
National Cyber Security Agency (if applicable in Bangladesh): Depending on the nature of the threat, it might be relevant to report it to a national agency that deals with cybercrime and online harassment. Check if Bangladesh has such an agency.
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bangladesh (BTRC): You can also report such incidents to the BTRC, as they oversee telecommunications services and can take action against misuse of phone lines.
6. Consider Changing Your Phone Number:
If the threatening calls persist despite blocking, you might consider changing your phone number. This can be a drastic measure but may be necessary for your peace of mind and safety. Inform your close contacts of your new number.
7. Be Cautious with Personal Information:
Never give out personal information to unknown callers, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organization.
8. Seek Support:
Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a counselor about what you are experiencing. The emotional impact of threatening calls can be significant, and having a support system is important.
Legal Implications for the Caller:
Making threatening phone calls is a serious offense with legal consequences. Under the Penal Code of Bangladesh, "criminal intimidation" is a punishable offense, with penalties potentially including imprisonment and fines, especially if the threat involves causing death, grievous hurt, or damage to property. Anonymous communication of such threats can also lead to additional punishment.
In summary, your priority should be your safety and peace of mind. Document the calls, block the number, report the incidents to the relevant authorities, and don't hesitate to seek support. If you feel genuinely threatened, treat the situation seriously and involve law enforcement immediately.
1. Stay Calm and Do Not Engage:
It's natural to feel scared or angry, but try to remain calm. Do not engage in conversation with the caller, argue, or provide any personal information. Often, these callers are seeking a reaction.
Simply hang up. If the calls persist, continue to hang up immediately without saying anything.
2. Document Everything:
Record the date and time of each call.
Note down any details you remember about the call: the caller's voice (male, female, accent, tone), any background noise, and the exact wording of the threats.
If your phone has a call recording feature, and it's legal to record calls in your jurisdiction without consent when you are threatened, consider recording the calls.
3. Block the Number:
On your smartphone: Most modern smartphones allow you to block specific numbers directly from your call history. This will prevent future calls from that particular number.
On a landline: Check if your phone has a blocking feature. You can also contact your phone service provider to inquire about call blocking services or devices.
4. Do Not Call Back:
Avoid the urge to call the unknown number back. This can belarus mobile phone number list confirm to the caller that your number is active and may lead to more calls.
5. Report the Calls:
Your Phone Service Provider: Contact your mobile carrier or landline provider. They may have a dedicated department for dealing with abusive or threatening calls and can offer advice or services like call tracing or changing your number.
Local Police: If you feel the threats are serious or believe there is a real risk of harm, report the calls to your local police station immediately. Provide them with all the documentation you have gathered. They can advise on the legal implications and potential investigations.
National Cyber Security Agency (if applicable in Bangladesh): Depending on the nature of the threat, it might be relevant to report it to a national agency that deals with cybercrime and online harassment. Check if Bangladesh has such an agency.
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bangladesh (BTRC): You can also report such incidents to the BTRC, as they oversee telecommunications services and can take action against misuse of phone lines.
6. Consider Changing Your Phone Number:
If the threatening calls persist despite blocking, you might consider changing your phone number. This can be a drastic measure but may be necessary for your peace of mind and safety. Inform your close contacts of your new number.
7. Be Cautious with Personal Information:
Never give out personal information to unknown callers, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organization.
8. Seek Support:
Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a counselor about what you are experiencing. The emotional impact of threatening calls can be significant, and having a support system is important.
Legal Implications for the Caller:
Making threatening phone calls is a serious offense with legal consequences. Under the Penal Code of Bangladesh, "criminal intimidation" is a punishable offense, with penalties potentially including imprisonment and fines, especially if the threat involves causing death, grievous hurt, or damage to property. Anonymous communication of such threats can also lead to additional punishment.
In summary, your priority should be your safety and peace of mind. Document the calls, block the number, report the incidents to the relevant authorities, and don't hesitate to seek support. If you feel genuinely threatened, treat the situation seriously and involve law enforcement immediately.