What Is a Ghost or Phantom Call & How Do You Stop It?

Ghost or phantom calls are incoming calls with no voice responses, background noises, or silence on the other line. These calls are typically untraceable, with no visible number on the caller ID.

Phantom calls can be frustrating and disruptive, especially from non-existent area codes like 100, 1000, or 1001. Recognizing these numbers can help you identify them as phantom calls, as they do not exist.

Ghost calls can occur for several reasons, often resulting from technical issues or malicious activity. Session initiation protocol (SIP) scanning, spam calls, and network issues are major causes of this problem.

Many phantom calls are caused by Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) scanning. Attackers send requests to different IP addresses to find unprotected VoIP systems. If your system isn’t secure, you may receive these unwanted calls.

Misconfigured VoIP systems can trigger ghost calls. When settings are incorrect, the system might treat incoming signals, such as keep-alive signals (small packets sent periodically to maintain an active connection), as real calls, causing them to ring without a caller. Proper configuration is essential to avoid this issue and ensure smooth call handling.

Ghost calls can also result from robocalls and telemarketing systems. These systems dial multiple numbers simultaneously, and if no agent is available, the call disconnects, leaving silence on the line.

Ghost calls can occur due to network instability or technical glitches. If the network is interrupted, calls may not connect properly, resulting in empty or silent calls.

Some spam services flood numbers with unwanted calls, leading to ghost calls. These calls are often intended to prompt interaction or cause disruption. Ghost calls usually occur when effective call filtering and blocking are not used.

Ghost calls can sometimes occur due to dialing errors. They occur when a caller accidentally dials the wrong number or an automated system incorrectly routes the call, resulting in unintended and silent calls.

Ghost calls or phantom calls on landlines can be disruptive and frustrating. They often occur without a caller on the other end, interrupting your daily routine. However, several effective methods exist, like caller ID authentication, call blocking, and working with your service provider to block and prevent ghost calls.
 

1. Caller ID Authentication: Activate caller ID services to verify the identity of incoming calls. It allows you to identify and avoid answering suspicious or unknown numbers that might be phantom calls.
    
2. Enable Call Blocking: You can use the call blocking feature provided by your landline service. This feature helps you block anonymous or unwanted calls, reducing the chances of receiving ghost calls.
    
3. Contact Your Service Provider: If these unwanted calls persist, contact your service provider. They can trace the source of the calls and apply security features to prevent future incidents.
    
4. Register on Do Not Call Lists: Sign up for the national or regional "Do Not Call" registry. It reduces the number of unwanted marketing or robocalls, which can often result in phantom calls.

By taking proactive measures, such as securing your network, enabling call filters, and adjusting system settings, you can effectively prevent phantom or ghost calls and maintain uninterrupted communication on the cloud or VoIP phone system.
 

1. Change SIP Port:

   Ghost calls often target standard SIP ports like 5060. Ask your service providers and change your Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) port to a non-standard to reduce unwanted traffic and block potential attacks.
    

2. Enabling Call Filtering:

   Many VoIP systems offer call-filtering features. Enable these filters to block anonymous or unrecognized calls that may be phantom calls.
    

3. Use a firewall:

   A firewall can help block unauthorized IP addresses and filter suspicious traffic, preventing ghost calls from accessing your system. Ensure your firewall is configured correctly to guard against external threats.
    

4. Contact Your Provider:

   If phantom calls persist, contact your service provider for assistance. They can check your system for vulnerabilities and implement additional security measures to stop these calls.
    

5. Keep Your System Updated:

   Regularly update your VoIP system and related software to protect against vulnerabilities that could lead to ghost calls. Updated software includes security patches that close potential entry points for attackers.
    

Ghost calls, also known as phantom calls, often signal unauthorized attempts to access your phone line or VoIP system. Hence, reporting protects your network from ongoing attacks and contributes to a safer communication environment for everyone.

If ignored, these calls can disrupt your service and expose your system to security breaches. To prevent these disruptions, report such calls quickly and adequately address issues.

Additionally, when you report ghost calls to your service provider, they can take the necessary steps to enhance system security. It may include blocking suspicious IP addresses, improving firewall settings, or updating your system. 

Ghost calls, whether on a landline or a VoIP system, can disrupt your communication and expose potential security vulnerabilities. Understanding the causes of these silent, untraceable calls is the first step to effectively preventing them. By implementing essential security measures, such as changing SIP ports, enabling call filtering, and using firewalls, you can significantly reduce the frequency of phantom calls and maintain uninterrupted communication.

Use Calilio to protect your system from ghost calls. It enables firewall integration, which adds a layer of security by controlling network traffic and preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, using its call filtering feature, you can also manage unwanted or suspicious calls before they reach your system. Sign up today!

You can stop ghost dialing by changing the SIP port, disabling direct IP calls, and setting up a firewall to block suspicious or unauthorized connections.

A ghost phone call is an incoming call with no one on the line—there is no sound, no voice, no background noise, just silence. These calls are often caused by automated systems or VoIP security issues.

To stop receiving VoIP calls, contact your VoIP service provider and ask them to disable incoming calls. You can also use your VoIP system settings to block specific numbers or all unwanted calls. You can also enable call filtering or use a firewall to block anonymous or unknown numbers.