WHY YOU SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE IGNORING UNKNOWN CALLS: YOU MIGHT BE SAVING A LIFE
By Daniel Okonkwo
In today’s digital world, ignoring calls from unknown numbers has become second nature. With the rise of scams, robocalls, identity theft, and spam, people have become more guarded—and for good reason. Answering such calls can validate your number for scammers, expose you to fraud, or land you on endless telemarketing lists.
But there’s another side to this story—one that is rarely told, yet potentially life-altering.
A "missed call" might seem trivial—just an unanswered ring. But sometimes, that one ignored call can mean everything.
Emergencies don’t follow protocol. In a crisis—an accident, a health scare, or a moment of helplessness—people may not have access to their phones. A stranger’s phone, a landline, or a borrowed device may become their only means of reaching out. And when they do, the number on your screen will likely be unfamiliar.
There are heartbreaking accounts of people who lost loved ones simply because they didn’t answer an unrecognized number. What they thought was a scam was, in fact, a desperate plea for help.
The hidden risk of ignoring unknown numbers. The risks of picking up unknown calls are real—but so are the risks of not picking them up. Consider these critical points:
Emergencies don’t answer themselves. From auto crashes to sudden illnesses, emergencies often strip away normal resources. In those moments, a borrowed phone and a familiar number could be the only link to safety.
Young children may only remember one or two numbers. Elderly individuals may be confused or disoriented. When separated or in distress, they may use any phone they can find to call you. Ignoring that call could be a tragic mistake.
Not every unknown call Is a threat. Yes, scams exist. But not every unknown call is malicious. With proper caution—answering briefly, sharing no sensitive details—you can separate the critical from the criminal.
No one is asking for recklessness. But we must balance safety with our shared humanity. Here are a few practical tips:
Answer without oversharing. Listen, and only engage further if you verify who you're speaking with.
Call back. If you're unsure, and they didn’t leave a voicemail, a brief callback could clarify everything.
Use caller ID apps. They can help filter out known scams and spam. Teach emergency preparedness. Label emergency contacts under “ICE,” and teach kids or elderly family members how to seek help using other phones.
This issue goes beyond personal responsibility. In supermarkets, offices, hospitals, and banks, many staff members don’t answer official phones. Some organizations are losing business and eroding trust because critical calls go unanswered.
Public servants, in particular, must remember—they serve the public. Failing to pick up or return calls creates unnecessary hardship and disconnect. It's not just poor service—it’s dangerous.
I speak from personal experience. A loved one in distress once tried calling home from a stranger’s phone. The person receiving the call ignored it—because the number wasn’t saved. That single act of inattention cost the loved one his life.
Ironically, I’ve seen highly placed individuals—CEOs, officials, elders—who pick up all their calls. If they can, why can’t we?
Your next unknown call could be more than a nuisance—it could be a lifeline. A missed call could mean missed help, missed hope, or missed final words. Think twice. Exercise caution, yes—but never at the expense of compassion.
Return missed calls. Answer unknown ones. If it turns out to be nothing, hang up. But imagine you’re the one in crisis—calling from someone else’s phone. Wouldn’t you want that call answered?
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| WHY YOU SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE IGNORING UNKNOWN CALLS: YOU MIGHT BE SAVING A LIFE |
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